In order to accommodate rising passenger traffic at Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (PAT) in Patna, India, airport operator Airports Authority of India (AAI) has announced the commencement of modernization work on the terminal facilities. The airport is one of India’s fastest growing in terms of annual passenger growth over the last five years, with the existing terminal handling almost 4.5 million passengers per annum.
Scheduled for completion by March 2023, the work includes construction of a new terminal building, multi-level parking facility and various ancillary structures such as a fire station. On completion of the works, the annual handling capacity of the airport will be increased to 8 million passengers per annum.
According to AAI, the integrated terminal building will boast a four-star GRIHA energy efficiency rating, and be equipped with 52 check-in counters, an in-line baggage handling system and five conveyor belts for arriving passengers, coupled with an interior design depicting the art and culture of Bihar (the state it is located in). Provision for 62,0000ft2 (5,760m2 ) of commercial space of is also being made to accommodate shopping facilities.
To address long-standing concerns around parking at the airport, the new parking facility will accommodate 750 vehicles, while the top floor of the structure will feature a further 31,000ft2 (2,880m2 ) of commercial space, connected to the terminal building via a bridge to aid passenger movements.
As an interim measure to increase capacity while construction of the new terminal is underway, the existing terminal building is to be extended and modified with the addition of greater baggage handling and check-in facilities.