(THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM)
New Delhi, 01st September, 20: In order to cater the rising passenger traffic at the Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, Patna, the work for the modernisation of the Airport is underway with a project cost of Rs. 1216.90 Cr. The airport is one of India’s fastest growing in terms of annual passenger growth in last five years with the existing terminal handling almost 4.5 million passengers per annum.

The ambitious project for modernization of Patna airport scheduled to get completed by March, 2023 includes construction of a New Integrated Terminal Building with state-of-the-art- facilities, Cargo Complex, Multi-Level Car Parking, Air Traffic Control-cum-Technical Building, Airport Fire Station, New Apron with 14 aircraft parking bays.

After the modernisation, annual handling capacity of the airport will be increased to 8 million passengers per annum with total area of 7,00,000 sqft having separate departure(Upper) and arrival (Lower) levels with departure level connected via a flyover to airport entry gate and via a link bridge to the Multi-Level Car Parking.
The upcoming New Integrated terminal building will be 4-Star GRIHA rated energy efficient building equipped with 52 Check-in counters, In-Line baggage handling system, five conveyor Belts for arriving passengers, well connected with lifts and escalators, centrally air-conditioned, five aerobridges and Interiors depicting the art and culture of Bihar. Provision of commercial space of 62000 sqft has also been kept for world class shopping facilities (Multi-Brand Retails and F&B) for passenger delight.

To address the concerns of parking, development work of Multi-Level Car Parking is also progressing at Patna Airport. A Ground+5 storied building in three lac sqft. area to manage 750 passenger vehicles & top floor of 31,000 sqft. commercial area is going to enhance passenger convenience. The parking will be connected with the departure level of the New Terminal Building through link bridge for pedestrian movement.

As an interim measure to meet the gap in timeline for creating new infrastructure, the existing terminal building of the airport is also being extended and modified to decongest and enhance passenger experience. With the completion of extension work in September-2020, new areas of approx. 2000 sqm will be added in the existing terminal resulting in increase of check-in counters from 15 to 20, arrival conveyer belts from two to three, space for placing five Hand Baggage Scanning Machines (From existing 3), Registered Baggage Scanning Machines (from existing 3), Four Female Frisking Booths (in place of existing 2). This additional infrastructure will significantly reduce waiting time in queues and improve passenger movement.