Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the expansion of Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri, northern West Bengal, at an estimated cost of Rs 1,550 crore.

This initiative was part of 23 development projects, totalling Rs 6,700 crore, unveiled by the Prime Minister during a virtual event from Varanasi.

The Bagdogra Airport’s new civil enclave will feature a terminal building spanning 70,390 square meters, capable of accommodating 3,000 passengers during peak hours, with an annual capacity of 10 million passengers.

Key elements of the project include an apron with 10 parking bays for A-321 aircraft, two link taxiways, and multi-level car parking facilities.

The terminal building will be designed to be environmentally friendly, utilising renewable energy sources and maximising natural light to reduce its ecological impact.

Approved by the Union Cabinet in August, Bagdogra Airport, located 14 km from Siliguri, serves as a critical aviation hub for northern West Bengal, handling approximately 60 flights and 8,000 passengers daily.

It has also been designated as a point-of-call (PoC) airport, allowing international flights without prior approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.