Bhubaneswar: Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu has announced that the Centre will grant permission for the construction of a new terminal at Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) within the next month. This decision follows the sharp increase in passenger traffic, which has been surpassing the airport’s current capacity, necessitating urgent expansion.

During a review meeting held in Bhubaneswar, Minister Naidu outlined the timeline for the project, stating that the new terminal is expected to be completed within two years from the start of construction. The project aims to address the increasing demand for air travel, as the existing Terminal-1, designed to handle 4 million passengers annually, has been managing around 5 million passengers—a 25% increase over its capacity.

The expansion is crucial for ensuring smoother passenger experiences and handling future growth at the airport, which has become a key transportation hub in the region. The new terminal will be equipped with modern amenities and advanced infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of passengers and improve operational efficiency. It will also focus on enhancing both domestic and international flight services.

Minister Naidu emphasized the significant growth of BPIA, noting that it currently connects to 20 domestic cities across India, including key hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. Additionally, the airport now operates flights to four international destinations, including Dubai and Bangkok, further positioning Bhubaneswar as a rising player in the aviation sector.

Proposed International Airport in Puri

Addressing queries about the proposed international airport in Puri, Naidu informed that the Odisha state government has already initiated the land acquisition process for the project. The Centre has also granted site clearance, moving the proposal one step closer to fruition. Once completed, the Puri airport will serve as an international gateway for religious tourism and boost connectivity to the famous Jagannath Temple and nearby tourist attractions.

The new Puri airport is expected to alleviate pressure on Bhubaneswar’s BPIA, catering to the increasing influx of tourists, particularly during religious festivals like the Rath Yatra, which draws millions of devotees each year.

Strategic Importance for Odisha’s Aviation Sector

These developments are seen as a strategic boost for Odisha’s aviation infrastructure, catering to both domestic and international travelers. The new terminal at BPIA and the proposed airport in Puri will significantly improve the state’s air travel capacity, making it easier for tourists and business travelers to access the region.

Minister Naidu also highlighted the broader vision of the government to expand air connectivity in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities as part of the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to make air travel affordable and convenient for all citizens. Bhubaneswar’s airport expansion aligns with this national goal of enhancing regional connectivity.

The upcoming projects are expected to contribute to the local economy by boosting tourism, creating jobs, and attracting investment in infrastructure. These efforts are also seen as vital steps in improving the overall air travel experience for passengers flying in and out of Odisha.

The expansion of BPIA, combined with the construction of a new airport in Puri, will enhance Odisha’s profile on the global aviation map, paving the way for further economic and tourism growth in the state.

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