Shirdi, the pious land of the saint Sai Baba, is one amid the frequented shrines in India. Shirdi is located close to the City of Dreams Mumbai and witnesses a huge footfall throughout the year. The devotees of Sai Baba flock to Shirdi and pay their homage. The sturdy faith of the devotees of Sai Baba brings them to the pristine land of Shirdi.
People had to travel a journey of a few hours by boarding a bus or hiring a cab from the nearby areas like Pune, Nashik, Nagpur etc. to reach Shirdi and vice-versa. Thus, it was a time-consuming affair. But the happy news is that after a wait of six long years, Maharashtra Airport Development Company confirmed about the construction of the airport in Shirdi. The airport in Shirdi became fully operational in the month of April and has brought a great comfort to visitors.
Yes, this is no longer a dream. The temple town of Shirdi has got its own airport! It took six long years for its construction and in the year 2017, this project was completed. Shirdi Airport is located 14 kilometers from the main town. It had a total budget of more than 300 crores and was also funded by Sai Baba Sansthan Trust.
Shirdi is visited by 60,000 visitors each day and the number increases up to 1 lakh on the occasion of Guru Poornima etc. These devotees come from every nook and corner of the country and not everyone is comfortable with the road & railway journey. Moreover, there are certain people, especially the aged and kids that cannot cover a long journey due to medical problems or other health related issues who look for a faster mode of transport t. Thus, the construction of an airport became essential. It has reduced an ample number of extra hours.
Shirdi Airport has completed the procedure of a 2,500-meter long runway, one ATC tower, four watchtowers, and a single wide gate that is manned by the guards of MSF. The further targets include the construction of another ATC tower and four hangars that will be utilized for the rental purpose by private jets. The authorities are all set to invest in the expansion of the runway so that the larger aircraft like the Airbus can also land on the Shirdi Airport.
Moreover, the new security systems, scanners, CCTVs, and more ticket counters will be established at Shirdi Airport. Other minor constructions are under process including the food outlets and new washrooms will be completed soon.
The construction and commencement of the airport near Shirdi have brought relief to a sizable number of the followers of Sai Baba all over India. The major cities have already like New Delhi, Hyderabad, Aurangabad, and Mumbai have started the operation. IndiGO Airlines, Air India, and Jet Airways are the major names that are operating presently.
Delhi-Shirdi: 1 flight per day
Hyderabad-Shirdi: 1 flight per day
Aurangabad-Shirdi: 1 flight per day
Mumbai-Shirdi: 1 flight per day
The cost of an airline ticket is something that considers the class of a traveler. People usually think that the airline tickets burn a hole in the pocket. Shunt this myth because you do not have to splurge. The price of the ticket is affordable, though it may vary afterward.
The temple town of Shirdi draws a substantial number of devotees and tourists throughout the year. Not only Indians but the NRI devotees also flock to Shirdi. Thus, to increase the comfort level of all, the airport was constructed. It was funded by the government as well as the shrine board of Shirdi and at present, the airport is entirely functional. All in all, Shirdi is just a flight away now.