Massive upgrade for Bhubaneswar Biju Patnaik International Airport as DGCA gives nod for parallel taxiway, RET

In a transformative development for Odisha’s aviation sector, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has given the green light to a long-awaited parallel taxi track (PTT) and rapid exit taxiway (RET) at Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), reported The Times of India.

The clearance marks a significant leap in operational efficiency, as the airport braces for rising passenger volumes and a busy flight schedule.

The newly operationalised facilities are expected to drastically reduce runway occupancy time, allowing faster aircraft movements and minimising delays.

With the addition of RET, aircraft can exit the 2,744-meter runway after just 1,300 meters, freeing it for subsequent arrivals or departures. This will not only reduce congestion but also shorten passenger wait times during peak hours..

From Land Hurdles to Take-Off

Interestingly, the PTT project, first proposed in 2018, faced major delays due to encroachment by slum dwellers near the Farm Gate area.

The breakthrough came in 2020 when the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation relocated 110 families, freeing up crucial land for the project. With the latest DGCA approval, a full-fledged taxi system is finally ready.

The infrastructure upgrade also allows future reconfiguration of the runway lighting system, paving the way for further technological improvements.

Meanwhile, Bhubaneswar is also moving towards green aviation operations. Plans are in motion to replace diesel-run aircraft tugs with electric vehicles, cutting emissions and reducing airline fuel consumption.

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International Connectivity on the Rise

BPIA is not only strengthening its infrastructure but also expanding its global footprint. After successful routes to Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok, direct flights to Abu Dhabi are set to take off from June 12. With the Gulf region being a hotspot for the Odia diaspora and business travellers, the route is expected to see strong demand.

Domestically, the airport now connects to 28 cities, including recent additions like Ghaziabad (Hindon), Port Blair, and Goa.

While Bhubaneswar leads the charge, other parts of the state are also catching up. A new daily route from Jharsuguda to Mumbai began in March 2025, and Puri received central approval for a new greenfield airport. Together, these developments mark a pivotal moment in Odisha’s push to become a regional aviation powerhouse.