Varanasi Takes Flight: Rs 2,870 Crore Development Plan Unveiled for Airport

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned a substantial development plan worth Rs 2,869.65 crore for Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport. This initiative by the Airports Authority of India aims to enhance the airport's infrastructure significantly. Currently capable of handling 3.3 million passengers annually, the airport's expansion will see its capacity rise to 9.9 million passengers per annum.

Key components of the development include the construction of a new terminal building spanning 75,000 square meters. Designed to accommodate 6 million passengers per annum and capable of handling 5,000 peak hour passengers, the terminal will facilitate smoother operations and improved passenger experience. Additionally, the runway will be extended to dimensions of 4,075 meters by 45 meters to accommodate larger aircraft, alongside the construction of a new apron capable of parking up to 20 aircraft.

Environmental sustainability features prominently in the plan, with a focus on energy optimization, waste recycling, and the utilization of solar energy. These measures underscore the government's commitment to balancing infrastructural growth with eco-friendly practices. The approval of this development plan marks a significant step towards bolstering Varanasi's connectivity and supporting its economic growth trajectory.

The decision to approve this ambitious project underscores the government's commitment to enhancing air travel infrastructure across the country, promoting regional connectivity, and boosting tourism and economic activity in Varanasi and its surrounding regions.

News by Rahul Yelligetti