Darjeeling, 17th August: Darjeeling MP Raju Bista expressed his satisfaction as the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the development of a New Civil Enclave at Bagdogra Airport. The project, which will be executed at an estimated cost of Rs 1,549 crore, represents a significant milestone in Bista’s vision for the development of the Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars regions.
Bagdogra Airport, currently the sole operational civilian airport in North Bengal, handles more than 8,000 passengers daily, with over a million passengers recorded in the past year. The airport presently accommodates around 40 flights daily, a figure expected to rise significantly following the development. The expansion project aims to enhance connectivity across the Himalayan regions of North Bengal, Sikkim, parts of Bihar, Assam, and neighboring areas of Nepal and Bhutan.
The proposed new terminal building will cover an area of 70,390 square meters and is designed to handle 3,000 peak-hour passengers, with an annual capacity of 10 million. The plan includes the construction of an apron with 10 parking bays for A-321 type aircraft, two link taxiways, and multi-level car parking facilities.
In line with environmental sustainability goals, the terminal building will be a ‘Green Building’ featuring renewable energy sources and maximizing natural lighting.
Bista highlighted the importance of the project in boosting tourism, trade, and economic growth in the region, while also creating significant employment opportunities for local youth. He extended his gratitude to Civil Aviation Minister K.R. Naidu for expediting the project, emphasizing the potential for substantial growth in international and domestic travel, trade, and business.
The development of Bagdogra Airport is expected to play a crucial role in the overall economic upliftment of the Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars regions.