The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has given approval for the financial bid related to the civil construction of the new terminal building and associated infrastructure at Bagdogra airport. This marks the completion of most formalities required for the construction process. Raju Bista, the Darjeeling MP, announced that the airport, being the busiest in the north Bengal region, will soon have the necessary infrastructure to handle both domestic and international passenger loads.
Last June, the Central government approved Rs 30 billion for the expansion of Bagdogra airport's infrastructure. Currently, with a terminal building of approximately 8,000 sqm and the capacity to handle 400 passengers per hour, the airport experiences congestion due to the increased number of flights and passengers. The new terminal building is planned to cover an area of 1 lakh sqm, with the first phase comprising around 50,000 sqm and the capacity to handle 3,800 passengers per hour. The entire first phase is expected to be completed in two-and-a-half years once construction commences.
Additionally, the expansion will include a multi-level car park and 10 aerobridges, with six aerobridges built in the initial phase. The apron will provide space to park 16 aircraft simultaneously. The airport's expansion is anticipated to attract more airline services, and there are expectations for flights to Dhaka and Kathmandu from Bagdogra.
Political observers note that, with the Lok Sabha polls approaching, the BJP is leveraging infrastructure development as a key element to garner votes in north Bengal. Over the past year, funds have been allocated for Bagdogra airport, the New Jalpaiguri station, and a four-lane highway connecting the northwest and northeast of Siliguri. District Trinamul leaders emphasise the state's contribution in supporting the airport expansion plans by providing over 100 acres of land to the AAI.
