The Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, Patna, is under the works for some modernisation with a project cost of Rs 1,216.90 crore. 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 project, which 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, and New Apron with 14 aircraft parking bays, is scheduled to be completed by March, 2023.

After the completion, the annual handling capacity of the airport will be increased to eight 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 new integrated terminal building will be a 4-star GRIHA-rated energy-efficient building, which will be 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 arts and culture of Bihar. Provision of commercial space of 62,000 sqft has also been kept for world-class shopping facilities (multi-brand retails and F&B) for passenger delight.

A five-storied building in three lakh sqft area to manage 750 passenger vehicles and top floor of 31,000 sqft. commercial area is going to enhance parking and, in turn, passenger convenience. The parking will be connected with the departure level of the new terminal building through a link bridge for pedestrian movement.

The existing terminal building of the airport is also being extended and modified to de-congest and enhance passenger experience. With the completion of extension work in September 2020, new areas of approximately 2,000 sqm will be added in the existing terminal. This will result in an 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 three), Registered Baggage Scanning Machines (from existing three), Four Female Frisking Booths (in place of existing two).

This additional infrastructure will significantly reduce waiting time in queues and improve passenger movement.