BAGDOGRA AIRPORT TO GET NEW TERMINAL, PM MODI TO VISIT
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make a significant visit to Bagdogra on March 3, where he will preside over the groundbreaking ceremony of the airport’s new terminal project. The Prime Minister’s itinerary also includes the inauguration of the new terminal initiated in phase 1, a project spearheaded by Kalpataru Projects International Ltd.
Scheduled to depart from New Delhi at 10 am via a specially arranged flight, Modi’s visit to Bagdogra Airport precedes his departure to Guwahati following the inaugural event. The announcement of his impending visit has been conveyed to airport authorities, indicating the significance of this development for the region.
Chairing the Airport Advisory Committee meeting at Bagdogra Airport, Darjeeling MP Raju Bista highlighted the transformative impact the airport’s overhaul promises for regional air travel. The ambitious project, funded by a Rs. 960 crore allocation from the Central government, aims to revolutionize passenger experience and enhance operational capacity.
The new terminal, situated 500m south of the existing terminal, boasts a footprint of 100,000 sq.m, with Phase 1 covering 50,000 sq.m. It will feature 10 aerobridges, a multi-level car park, and an apron capable of accommodating 16 narrow-body aircraft simultaneously. With an estimated completion deadline of 913 days, the project signifies a substantial investment in modernizing aviation infrastructure in the region.
Bista elaborated on the additional facilities and enhancements incorporated into the new terminal, including increased conveyor belts, tactile flooring for visually impaired passengers, centralized air conditioning, and expanded seating areas. Notably, advancements in landing technology, such as the installation of a localizer and glide-path technology, will significantly improve visibility requirements, enabling flights to operate until 10 pm.
Bagdogra Airport has experienced remarkable year-on-year growth, handling 32 lakh passengers this year compared to 25 lakh previously, with a revenue of Rs 100 crore. This growth underscores the critical role of Bagdogra Airport as a vital transportation hub, serving both domestic and international travelers.
The Prime Minister’s visit and the inauguration of the new terminal project symbolize a significant milestone in the development of Bagdogra Airport, marking a new era of enhanced connectivity and modernized infrastructure. With the completion of this ambitious project, Bagdogra Airport is poised to emerge as a premier aviation hub, catering to the burgeoning demand for air travel in the region.
The ceremony on March 3 will not only commemorate the commencement of a transformative project but also reaffirm the government’s commitment to bolstering regional connectivity and fostering economic growth through strategic infrastructure development initiatives.
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