Patna: The construction of the new terminal at Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport, Patna has progressed at a sluggish pace, with only 55% of the work completed in six years. At the current rate, it is estimated that the terminal may take another year to be fully operational.
Despite efforts to accelerate the project following a surprise inspection by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) Chairman on December 6, significant work remains unfinished. Tasks such as caulking, painting, granite installation, fabrication, and AC ducting are still pending. While the AAI Chairman had set a target for completion by January 2025, achieving this goal appears increasingly unlikely under the current circumstances.
Project Overview and Delays
The new terminal, with an estimated cost of Rs. 1,216 crore, began construction in October 2018. However, progress was severely hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic. As of now, only the structure of the terminal has been completed.
A multi-level parking facility, part of the airport’s modernization project, was handed over to airport management two years ago but remains non-operational. Designed to accommodate 750 four-wheelers across five floors, the parking facility includes a direct pathway to the terminal from the third floor. However, passengers and their companions continue to face parking issues, with many vehicles parked on roadsides. Those who use the parking lot often struggle to transport their luggage to the terminal due to poor connectivity and facilities.
Future Plans and Enhancements
Once the new terminal is inaugurated, the existing terminal building will be demolished to create an apron area for aircraft parking. This expansion is expected to increase plane parking capacity, enabling new air services to additional domestic and international destinations.
Currently, Patna passengers traveling internationally must rely on airports in Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata. However, sources suggest that the new terminal could initially introduce flights to destinations such as Kathmandu, Myanmar, Singapore, and Dubai.
Terminal Features
The upcoming terminal will be seven times larger than the current one, spanning 65,000 square feet. It is expected to handle over 8 million passengers annually, with advanced facilities to enhance the travel experience. Key features include:
- 54 check-in counters
- Five passenger boarding bridges
- Five conveyor belts
- Eight in-line X-ray machines
These additions aim to streamline passenger movement and reduce wait times significantly.
Challenges Ahead
The local management is under pressure to expedite the remaining work, but the slow pace has raised concerns about meeting deadlines. The delay not only hampers passenger convenience but also stalls Patna’s aspirations of becoming a key regional hub for air travel.
