The Airport Director of the Airport Authority of India (AAI), Mohammad Arif, confirmed the construction of a new terminal at Bagdogra Airport, set for completion by March 2027. The new terminal will cover approximately 70,400 square meters in its first phase, with an additional 50,000 square meters planned for the second phase.
Arif explained that while the new terminal is being built, the existing airport will continue to operate as it currently is. The total project value is estimated at Rs 1,560 crore, with the tender being awarded in two stages, one of which will focus on airside infrastructure.
“A new terminal building is coming up, which means the existing airport will remain in its present form … we are expecting to meet the set deadline in March 2027. All together the project value is Rs 1,560 crore and the tender will be awarded in two sides… the second tender will focus on air side infrastructure…” Arif said, adding that the first phase of the terminal would span 70,400 square meters, with the second phase expanding it by 50,000 square meters.
Darjeeling BJP MP Raju Bista expressed his appreciation for the new terminal, stating that it would be 10 times larger than the current one.
“I want to congratulate the government on the new terminal. The government has approved Rs 16 crore for the same and the new terminal will be 10 times bigger than the current one. In the future, we are expecting this terminal to make the international and national flights more frequent here..,” Bista said.
On October 21, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for the new terminal, which is part of a broader initiative that includes upgrades at Bagdogra, Varanasi, and Agra airports, as well as the inauguration of new airports at Rewa, Sarsawa, and Ambikapur.