TV
The Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar is set to come up with a new parallel taxi track (PTT) and rapid exit taxiway (RET) after a Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) inspection.
The information was carried in a report by The Times of India, which stated that officials have confirmed that construction for both facilities is complete, with a DGCA team expected to visit soon for final approvals. Once cleared, the upgrades will streamline ground operations and reduce aircraft wait times.
The 1,318-meter parallel taxi track, currently in its first phase, allows the handling of 15 aircraft per hour. However, the newly finished 1,566-meter second phase will boost capacity to 20 aircraft hourly.
Similarly, the rapid exit taxiway will let planes exit the 2,744-meter runway after 1,300 meters, speeding up arrivals and departures.
Terminal 3 Construction to Begin in 2025
The move comes amid recently approved upgrades to the BPIA, including a third terminal by 2025 to address rising passenger traffic.
The existing terminals handle 50 lakh passengers annually, which is about 10 lakh above capacity. As such, Terminal 3, spanning 30,000 sqm, aims to double the airport’s annual capacity to 80 lakh.
Further, Union Civil Aviation Ministry officials confirmed the Rs 1,000 crore project will feature modern amenities, positioning Odisha as an eastern India travel hub.
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Electric Vehicles to Tow Aircraft, Runway Re-carpeting
In a green initiative, BPIA, in 2024, introduced plans to replace diesel-powered tractors with electric vehicles (EVs) for towing aircraft between aprons and holding points. The proposal was aimed at cutting emissions and airline fuel costs.
Modern ATC Tower Enhances Operations
In a recent major boost, the BPIA’s new automated air traffic control (ATC) tower, inaugurated in October 2023, uses indigenous technology by Bharat Electronics Limited. It operates alongside the old tower, improving safety and efficiency under the Make in India initiative.
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Notably, with these upgrades, Bhubaneswar Airport aims to meet growing demand even as Odisha sets on expanding its airways connectivity with plans afoot for an international airport in Puri and the upgrading of existing ones in Rourkela and other places.
