On 5 June 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new terminal building at NAMO Airport, Daman. This initiative marks a strategic shift for the Union Territory (UT) of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, transitioning from a military facility to a dual-use civilian aviation hub. This project is part of a larger ₹2,970 crore development package for the UT.
Key Features of NAMO Airport
- Infrastructure Cost: The terminal was developed at a cost of ₹97 crore.
- Capacity: Designed for a peak-hour volume of 180 passengers with 12 check-in counters.
- Aircraft Compatibility: The facility supports narrow-body jets, specifically up to the Airbus A320 category.
- Connectivity: Establishes direct air links to Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad, reducing reliance on road/rail transit through neighboring states.
Major Projects in the Development Package
- NAMO Hospital: Apex facility with a capacity of 1,500 OPD visits per day.
- Daman Convention Centre: Targeted at boosting business tourism and regional exhibitions.
- NIFT Campus: Established to enhance professional education and textile-linked skills.
- Iconic Bridge: Infrastructure project designed to improve intra-city transit.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- Administrative Merger: Both UTs were merged into one on 26 January 2020 via the 2019 Act.
- Constitutional Status: Administered by the President of India via an appointed Administrator under Article 239.
- UDAN Scheme: The project aligns with the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) under the National Civil Aviation Policy (2016).