The construction of the new terminal at Varanasi Airport is progressing at an accelerated pace. The foundation work is already 30% complete, and the construction of the multi-level car parking facility is also advancing rapidly. This ambitious project was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and adequate funds have been allocated for it in the state budget. The foundation of the multi-level car parking facility has reached 90% completion, signaling significant progress in the expansion of the airport.
Budget Allocation for Airport Expansion
The Uttar Pradesh state budget has earmarked the remaining funds required for the expansion of the Varanasi airport. The new terminal, being built over 75,000 square meters, is expected to be completed by 2027. The state government has demonstrated its commitment to this rapid expansion by allocating the necessary funds in multiple phases. Initially, INR 1,018 crore was required for land acquisition, out of which the first installment of INR 550 crore and the second installment of INR 300 crore were released earlier. The remaining INR 168 crore was approved in the latest state budget.
For the expansion, 99 acres of land have been acquired for the new terminal building, while 105 acres have been designated for the runway extension. As of now, 96 acres have been successfully acquired, with only three acres pending due to land disputes. The expansion project is being executed by Ahluwalia Construction Company, which has been tasked with developing the new terminal building at an estimated cost of INR 900 crore.
Features of the New Terminal Building
The new terminal building will be a three-story structure with modern facilities designed to handle increasing passenger traffic. The ground floor will feature the arrival hall, while the first floor will house the departure hall. The third floor will have office spaces. Some of the key features of the terminal include:
- Eight Aero Bridges: Facilitating smooth boarding and disembarkation of passengers.
- 72 Check-In Counters: Ensuring quick processing and minimal waiting times.
- Eight Conveyor Belts: Enhancing baggage handling efficiency.
- 14 Security Counters: Speeding up security checks for passengers.
- Cultural Aesthetic: The terminal’s security hold area will showcase artistic depictions of Kashi’s rich cultural heritage, with inscriptions of Vedic mantras.
- Eco-Friendly Design: The building will incorporate natural lighting, reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainability.
- Passenger Capacity: The terminal will be equipped to handle up to 5,000 passengers at a time and over 60 lakh passengers annually.
Need for Expansion: Rising Air Traffic in Varanasi
Varanasi, known for its religious significance and tourism, has been experiencing a steady increase in air traffic. The existing airport terminal was built in 2010 and was initially designed to accommodate 3,000 to 5,000 passengers daily. However, with the growth in tourism and business activities, the current footfall has surged to nearly 12,000 to 13,000 passengers per day, with around 66 flights operating daily. This accounts for an annual passenger volume of approximately 30 to 35 lakh. With the upcoming expansion, daily flight operations are expected to exceed 100, and the number of passengers could rise to over 20,000 per day.
Runway Extension and ILS Category-3 Installation
Along with the construction of the new terminal, the runway is also undergoing expansion to accommodate larger aircraft. The installation of Instrument Landing System (ILS) Category-3 is in progress, which will enable aircraft to land safely even in poor weather conditions. The extended runway will allow an increased number of flights to operate, significantly boosting the airport’s capacity to handle air traffic.
Economic and Business Benefits
The expansion of Varanasi airport will greatly benefit local businesses, particularly those involved in trade and tourism. With direct flight connectivity to various cities, local industries such as handwoven Banarasi sarees, carpet exports, and religious tourism will experience substantial growth.
- Handicraft and Textile Industry: The new terminal will make it easier for international buyers to visit Varanasi, promoting exports of Banarasi silk and carpets.
- Religious Tourism: The number of domestic and international pilgrims visiting Varanasi is increasing, and better airport infrastructure will enhance their travel experience.
- Employment Opportunities: The project has generated numerous jobs in construction, administration, and airport services.
- Direct Flight Connectivity: Increased flight frequency and new routes to cities like Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru will facilitate business growth.
Future International Connectivity
Varanasi Airport is expected to expand its international operations after the completion of the new terminal. The government is exploring new direct international routes to destinations such as Dubai, Bangkok, and London to meet the growing demand for international travel from Varanasi.
Environmental and Sustainable Features
The new terminal will incorporate several eco-friendly and energy-efficient measures, including:
- Solar Energy Utilization: Solar panels will be installed to power various airport operations.
- Rainwater Harvesting: Water conservation measures will be implemented to optimize resource usage.
- Waste Management System: The airport will feature modern waste disposal techniques to minimize environmental impact.
- Natural Lighting Optimization: Large glass panels and skylights will reduce the need for artificial lighting.
Conclusion
The expansion of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi is a significant infrastructure project that will enhance connectivity, boost tourism, and support economic growth in the region. The new terminal, with its state-of-the-art amenities and cultural elements, will position Varanasi as a major air travel hub in North India. With work progressing rapidly and the completion deadline set for 2027, the city’s airport is poised to handle increased passenger traffic efficiently, offering a world-class travel experience to visitors from across the globe.
