Vallabhbhai Patel

Ahmedabad

Gujarat

Saputara

UNESCO

It is heartening news that both the city airport and Ahmedabad city have received awards. But, we should not rest on these laurels and improve them further Ashil Modi, bizman, frequent flier

Iam proud to have been born and brought up in city of Ahmedabad. The vibrant architecture and history of the city makes the two awards well-deserved Devansh Trivedi, engineer

The Sardarairport,, has bagged the award of being the best in the nation.grabbed two more honours at the national tourism awards announced on Thursday. While Ahmedabad city shared the award of the best heritage city with Mandu in Madhya Pradesh, the Gujarat tourism department bagged an award for best civic management of popular tourist destination. The awards were presented by Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism K J Alphons.The city airport has been improving over last few years with rapidly increasing passenger and flight traffic. It bagged an award for the best Airports Authority of India-run airport along with Indore airport.The city airport has undergone several changes over the year to ensure improved services to the passenger along with increasing passenger traffic.The airport undertook runway resurfacing during the period, which was completed about 3 months before its deadline. In addition, acquisitions such as new X-ray machine to reduce security queues and new aerobridges for international terminal were during the same period.Year 2016-17 also recorded lowest number of bird hits also. Bird hits for 2016 and 2017 were only 8 each year -- second lowest in last 10 years. Issues of space crunch and hygiene of washrooms were address during this period.The city airport has now added several new features such as a large washroom at the domestic terminal and a few food corners, low-cost food counter and additional space in security hold area. It has also been decorated to celebrate Ahmedabad bagging theheritage city tag – the first in the country.Ahmedabad was declared World Heritage city by UNESCO last year. It received award in the best heritage city category shared by Mandu of Madhya Pradesh.Ashil Modi, businessman and frequent flier, said, “It is heartening news that both the city airport and Ahmedabad city have received awards. But, we should not rest on these laurels and work towards improving our city and the airport further.”Banker Devesh Patel said, “The awards are well-deserved. Being a migrant to the city, I have seen Ahmedabad evolve. Right from airport to the streets, the rich heritage is palpable to any visitor. There have been improvements with recent traffic drive and I am sure the city will improve more over the years.”Devansh Trivedi, an engineer, traveler and photographer, said, “I am proud to have been born and brought up in Ahmedabad. The vibrant architecture and history of the city makes the two awards well-deserved. As far as Saputara is concerned, its potential is still untapped. I have seen Saputara up, close and personal and can vouch for its well-managed civic system.”Three international food chains will start operations at the city airport from today. Besides one vegetarian and non-vegetarian outlet, the food court will also have a new coffee shop. Travellers will find it convenient as the outlets will remain open 24 hours with ample sitting place on first floor of security hold area of the domestic terminal.