Hyderabad, Mar 14: Congress President Sonia Gandhi will today inaugurate the Rajiv Gandhi International (greenfield) Airport (RGIA) at Shamshabad, about 35 km from here.

Rs 2,470 crore greefield international airport, is the first to be developed under public-private partnership model.

The new airport has incorporated the best of facilities available at Oslo, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore airports.

For its eco-friendly design, the airport was awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental design (LEE) certificate. Boston Airport was the first airport in the world to be awarded with this certification.

The airports unique design maximises the use of sunlight within the building and minimises heat into the building.

In its initial phase, the airport will handle 12 million passengers and over 100,000 tonnes of cargo per annum. At full capacity, the new airport will be able to handle over 40 million passengers and a million tonnes of cargo in a year.

The 4.60-kilometre-long runway is A380 aircraft compatible and complete and so is the equally long parallel taxiway that can also be used for emergency take-offs.

The seven-storey passenger terminal building built by the China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) is spread over 100,000 square metres.

The 42 parking bays (with a parking space of 3,600 cars), cargo building, apron and fuel farm are also ready.

The airport will have 60 check-in-counters with Common User Terminal Equipment (CUTE) and 16 self check-in kiosks. The 2,500-sqm complex will also have 12 contact boarding bridges, 45 immigration counters and extensive retail and shopping outlets.

During her day-long visit, UPA Chairperson will also Tadipudi Pushkara irrigation project in Rajahmundry in East Godavari District.

Before proceeding to Warangal district for a visit to the prestigious Devadula project termed as Asia's biggest lift irrigation project, she is scheduled to address a public meeting at Jaggampet.

In lift irrigation projects, many farmers can come together and implement a large irrigation scheme on private or co-operative basis.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made in view of her visit. (ANI)