Correct answer: (b) Cochin
Explanation
- A
Chennai
Chennai claims to be the first solar-powered airport in India, but it is not the correct answer. While major metro airports have adopted solar initiatives later, Cochin achieved this milestone years earlier.
- B
Cochin
Cochin claims that its international airport is the first in the world to be fully powered by solar energy. This makes it the correct answer because Cochin International Airport Limited successfully commissioned a 12 MWp solar plant, becoming entirely green and earning recognition from the United Nations Environment Programme.
- C
Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad claims the title of the first solar-powered airport, but this is incorrect. Although Gujarat has substantial solar capacity, Cochin holds the pioneering aviation record for complete solar independence.
- D
New Delhi
New Delhi claims to house the pioneer solar airport, which is factually wrong. Indira Gandhi International Airport has large solar installations but achieved 100% green energy sourcing much later than Cochin.
Summary. Official key is (b) Cochin. The Cochin International Airport made global headlines by becoming the world's first fully solar-powered airport in 2015. This monumental shift demonstrated how heavy infrastructure can successfully transition to renewable energy sources completely. Other major airports like Chennai, Ahmedabad, and New Delhi adopted extensive solar power systems subsequently but hold no claim to this specific pioneering title. Therefore, option (b) is the correct choice for India's first solar-powered airport.