Darjeeling MP Raju Bista said the Union Civil Aviation Ministry and the Airport Authority of India (AAI) will start construction of the new terminal and associated infrastructure at the Bagdogra airport next month.
“The foundation stone for the new terminal and infrastructure expansion will be laid next month. The Center has sanctioned Rs 3,000 crore for the project and half the amount will be spent in the first phase. The tender process for civil projects worth Rs 1,000 crore has been completed and a Bengaluru-based company will do the work. The remaining amount of Rs 500 crore will be spent on the interior,” said Bista, who is also the chairman of the airport’s advisory committee.
Committee members held a meeting at the airport on Thursday.
Bista said the first phase of the project will be completed by April 2026.
According to him, six aero bridges and four remote bridges will be built in the first phase. “Once the second phase is completed, the number of aerobridges will increase to 10 while two more remote bridges will be added. This means, now four or five flights can be parked (in the parking bay), as opposed to 16 flights able to be parked at the airport,” he said.
According to the plan, a terminal with an area of 70,000 square meters will be built in the first phase. Another 50,000 square meters will be added to the new terminal. At present, the terminal is spread over 10,000 square meters.
While talking to journalists, Bista also informed about some of the works done at the existing terminal.
“The seating capacity in the building has been increased and now, the security area can accommodate 700 to 800 people. an umbrella will be installed
Rs 2 crore will be spent and it will be installed outside the building so that people do not face any problem during scorching sun and rain. Seven kiosks have been installed for boarding passes,” he said.
Besides, a new conveyor belt and a new X-ray machine have been installed at the airport.
To facilitate landing of the aircraft during bad weather conditions resulting in low visibility, the localizer-instrument that helps in landing is fully functional, sources said.
