Gujarat: PM Narendra Modi laid foundation stone of new strategic air base

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of a new air base in Gujarat’s Deesa on Wednesday. The long-pending strategic gap of 355 km between the Bhuj and Uttarlai air bases will be reduced.

Earlier in 1983, the land was acquired for the IAF, according to the Indian Air Force officials.

Meanwhile, Lt Gen Harpal Singh the Engineer-in-Chief guided the development of the station which will cost Rs 980 crore. Presently has a minimal infrastructure of just 20 watch towers and a 22 Km boundary wall.

According to the officials, “In Phase 1, the main runway, parallel taxi track, loop taxi track, and fighter sqn dispersal area are coming up. in addition roads and drainage infrastructure will also be made. In phase 2 balance technical infrastructure and domestic accommodation are planned.”

“Thus the well-guided project meticulously designed by the MES, with expert guidance from BISAG, IIT Roorkee, and CRRI Delhi is most certain to Come up as a model Stn using modern techniques and the latest software like HEC-RAS and HEC GEORAS for planning the project,” officials further stated.

“The two large canals which are designed innovatively, are going to be paved with lining pavers rather than working manually to pave the slopes of the canal, and the feeder drains are going to be dug mechanically and also lined mechanically, the main pavement or runway area has been given innovative soil stabilization, to effectively address the soil conditions of South Rajasthan and North Gujarat, in consultation with IIT Roorkee,” officials added.

“In consultation with CRRI, the buildings and supporting structures have been designed in an eco-friendly manner, which leads to the least carbon footprint,” officials further said.

However, Engineer in Chief Lt Gen Harpal Singh said the whole Air station will finish by 2023 December which will take place in two stages.