Cabinet Sanctions Rs 2,962 Cr for Airport Projects in West Bengal, Bihar

The Union Cabinet has sanctioned airport projects in Bagdogra, West Bengal, and Bihta, Bihar, with a combined budget of Rs 2,962 crore. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that a new civil enclave at Bagdogra airport will cost Rs 1,549 crore, while Bihta's project will require Rs 1,413 crore. These decisions were made by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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Bagdogra Airport Expansion

The new civil enclave at Bagdogra airport will feature a terminal building covering 70,390 square metres. This facility will accommodate 3,000 peak-hour passengers and handle up to 10 million passengers annually. An apron with 10 parking bays for A-321-type aircraft and two link taxiways will also be constructed. Multi-level car parking is part of the plan to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience.

Bihta Airport Development

In Bihta, a new civil enclave costing Rs 1,413 crore aims to address the expected capacity saturation at Patna airport. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is already building a new terminal at Patna airport, but further expansion is limited due to land constraints. The new integrated terminal at Bihta will cover 66,000 square metres and handle 3,000 peak-hour passengers, with an annual capacity of 50 lakh passengers.

The Bihta project includes constructing an apron for 10 parking bays suitable for A-321/B-737-800/A-320 type aircraft and two link taxiways. The capacity can be expanded by another 50 lakh passengers when needed, ultimately reaching a capacity of 1 crore passengers per year.

India's Growing Aviation Market

India currently has 157 operational airports and is one of the world's fastest-growing civil aviation markets. The development of these new civil enclaves in Bagdogra and Bihta is part of the government's ongoing efforts to boost infrastructure and meet the increasing demand for air travel.

These projects are expected to significantly improve the operational efficiency of both airports and enhance the overall passenger experience. The strategic move to develop these new terminals aligns with India's broader goals of expanding its aviation infrastructure to support economic growth and connectivity.

The Union Cabinet's approval marks a significant step towards addressing the growing needs of air travellers in these regions. With enhanced facilities and increased capacity, both Bagdogra and Bihta airports are poised to become key hubs in India's aviation network.