Patna airport to undergo complete change by 2021 with new terminal building, several aerobridges and multilevel parking

PATNA: The Jai Prakash Narayan International Airport at Patna is set to undergo a complete metamorphosis in the next four years now that the Union cabinet has granted approval for swapping of land between Bihar government and the Airport Authority of India (AAI) for expansion.

As part of expansion, new terminal building, elevated road for exit, multi-level parking and six aerobridges would be constructed.

Authorities said the existing terminal building would be extended towards east after which it would be linked with the new terminal building.

Reports said the entire project costing Rs 74 0 crore (Rs 74 billion) would be completed in two phases positively by 2021.

In the first phase, a new two-storeyed terminal building will be constructed by dismantling two hangers of State hanger and its office.

The upper floor will be used for departure purposes while the ground floor will be used for arrival of aircrafts.

The existing State hanger and office will be shifted towards the flying club, reports said.

Reports added that a multi-level parking would be constructed near the residence of airport director. It will have the capacity to park at least 1,000 vehicles.

“The expansion of the Patna airport will begin formally from June this year,” Patna airport director RS Lahauria told the media on Monday.

Last week, the Union Cabinet granted its approval for swapping of land between the Bihar government and Airports authority of India (AAI) for expansion of Patna airport.

The proposed land at Patna Airport will be used for expansion of the airport and construction of new terminal building along-with other associated infrastructures. The State Government has also agreed in principle for transfer of the land.

The new terminal building will be having a capacity of 3 million passengers per annum which will not only enhance the airport capacity but also provide convenience to general public.

The existing terminal building at Patna Airport was built for a capacity of 0.5 million passengers per annum, against which 1.5 million passengers per annum are already using the airport. This has led to extreme crowding in the terminal building.