Bhubaneswar airport plans massive upgrade and expansion worth Rs 1000 crore; old ATC tower faces decommissioning

The Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) is navigating a phase of transition as airport authorities have formally sought approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to decommission the decades-old Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower.

Reports from The Times of India stated that the Bhubaneswar airport plans to fully operate from the new 11-storey ATC tower facility, which has been operational since early 2023.

Old Tower Nears End of Service

Standing 23.46 metres tall, the old ATC tower has been lying vacant since its systems were shifted to the new structure last year.

Reports said it had briefly served as a backup after commissioning of the new tower, but all navigation and communication equipment has since been relocated. DGCA inspectors are expected to examine the facility before granting permission for decommissioning.

Airport authorities are also considering repurposing the anti-hijacking building as a backup control centre once the tower is dismantled.

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New Tower Functional but Lacking Safety Certification

At 44.2 metres, the new ATC tower is nearly double the height of its predecessor and equipped with advanced automation systems developed indigenously under the Make in India initiative.

The facility has boosted efficiency in managing rising air traffic, especially at night and during international operations, and serves as a diversion point for flights during adverse weather.

However, in late 2024, reports had flagged that the new tower had been functioning without a fire safety certificate since its inauguration. Fire officials had denied clearance, citing violations of the National Building Code, particularly the absence of the required dual escape routes.

Airport authorities have not yet commented on whether a fire safety certificate has since been obtained.

Expansion Plans Take Shape

Meanwhile, BPIA is preparing for a significant expansion. Plans for a new integrated Terminal 3 (T3) have been finalised, with the project estimated at Rs 1,000 crore.

The redesigned facility, spread over 65,000 square metres, will replace earlier proposals for a split-terminal model and is expected to handle up to 86 lakh passengers annually.

The expansion blueprint also includes six new aerobridges and enhanced apron space to accommodate growing traffic. According to reports, the redesign aims to simplify logistics and improve passenger experience, avoiding the inconvenience of separate arrival and departure terminals.

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