Patna: Key officials, including the District Magistrate of Patna, the Senior Superintendent of Police, and the Municipal Commissioner of the Patna Municipal Corporation, conducted a site inspection and review meeting on traffic management near Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport. The meeting, held with the Managing Director of Bihar State Road Construction Corporation Limited (BSRDCL), the Superintendent of Police (Traffic), and other senior officials, focused on addressing anticipated challenges posed by the upcoming launch of the new terminal building.
The District Magistrate noted that the new terminal, slated to become operational in April, will significantly increase passenger traffic. Currently, the airport accommodates up to five airplanes simultaneously, but the new terminal will expand this capacity to 11, with a parallel taxi track also under construction. This development is expected to double passenger numbers, adding to traffic congestion around the airport.
Traffic Management Plans
During the meeting, officials discussed immediate and long-term measures for easing traffic flow near the new terminal. A two-level route for arrivals and departures has been proposed to streamline vehicle and passenger movement. However, these routes converge near Peer Ali Path, raising concerns over potential traffic jams.
As part of the immediate plan, a U-turn will be created near the Veterinary College Ground and another between the new entry gate and the State Hangar. The Superintendent of Police (Traffic) has been tasked with implementing these measures promptly. For the long-term, BSRDCL will develop a detailed traffic plan, which includes proposals for flyovers or underpasses to provide dedicated entry and exit points for the new terminal.
Road Improvements and Slip Roads
To further address traffic concerns, three key roads near the airport—Peer Ali Path, the road toward Rajabazar, and the road to BSAP—will be widened and beautified. Officials have also been instructed to study the feasibility of creating slip roads at three exit points of the new terminal.
Timeline and Coordination
The District Magistrate emphasized the importance of completing interim measures before the terminal becomes operational in April. A long-term traffic plan, which could take up to a year to finalize, will be developed in consultation with stakeholders and at a higher administrative level.
Officials were directed to ensure seamless coordination between all agencies involved in the project to minimize inconvenience to the public and ensure efficient traffic management as the airport’s capacity expands.
