Bagdogra Airport: Himalayan Gateway Gets a Green Makeover

Bagdogra Airport—the vital aviation hub for Darjeeling, Gangtok, and Kalimpong—is set for a major upgrade as the Airports Authority of India (AAI) begins work on a state-of-the-art, climate-resilient terminal.

Spanning 1.2 million sq. ft., the terminal is being developed by CP Kukreja Architects and is designed to accommodate up to 1,000 passengers per hour. The expansion comes in response to surging regional air traffic and aims to boost both domestic and international connectivity while tackling pressing environmental and infrastructure demands.

Sustainability lies at the core of the project. The terminal will feature:

Net-zero carbon operations, with passive cooling systems, energy-efficient glazing, and renewable energy integration

Advanced flood mitigation measures, including stormwater drainage, culverts, and water channels

Architectural elements inspired by the Eastern Himalayas, including pitched roofs and aluminium fins echoing the landscape of Darjeeling’s tea gardens and the form of Mount Kangchenjunga

“This project is more than infrastructure—it’s a powerful demonstration of how architecture can respond to both context and climate,” said Dikshu C. Kukreja, Principal Architect.

Blending local aesthetics with functional innovation, the new terminal will offer naturally ventilated interiors and eco-conscious design, setting a new benchmark for sustainable aviation infrastructure in India.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.