Bhubaneswar airport to have ceremonial lounge soon

Bhubaneswar: Passengers will soon avail better facilities at the Biju Patnaik International Airport as a new master plan is being prepared for its all-round infrastructural development.

The airport authorities informed that several proposals are being mooted including a permanent ‘ceremonial lounge.’ The new facility will come handy in making necessary arrangements during visit of VVIPs to Odisha via Bhubaneswar airport.

“At present we are reviewing the master plan and planning for a ceremonial lounge. We have requested corporate headquarters for the all around development of the airport,” said Airport director, Suresh Chandra Hota.

Apart from this, special plans are afoot for a new cargo terminal by shifting the existing unit to the north-western side of the airport. The move will come to the rescue of passengers who were earlier facing difficulties due to cargo operations during peak hours.

Official sources said the master plan also envisages overall makeover of the airport along with development of existing infrastructure at an estimated cost of Rs 500 crore. Eight new parking lots are also expected to come up under the project.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Bhubaneswar International Airport has come up in 841.949 acres of land. The total operational area of the airport spreads on 500.996 acres. The authorities are also contemplating to come up with a commercial hub in nearly 60.54 acres of land.