Darbhanga Airport Modernisation: Terminal Building Nears Completion at 68%.

Construction of the new terminal building at Darbhanga Airport has reached 68 per cent completion, marking significant progress in one of Bihar’s key aviation infrastructure projects. The terminal, which is expected to be completed by November 30, 2026, is designed to substantially expand passenger handling capacity and introduce modern facilities to improve the travel experience.

Airport Director Dilip Kumar said the administration is focused on enhancing passenger services and ensuring a more comfortable journey. He noted that the new terminal complex, spread over more than 52 acres, is being developed with modern infrastructure and passenger-centric amenities.

The ₹674.96-crore project has achieved financial progress of ₹380.75 crore, accounting for 59.19 per cent of the total cost. Several major components are nearing completion, with elevated flyover and tunnel works reaching 98 per cent completion. Civil works on the power house and air-conditioning plant are 95 per cent complete, while the sewage treatment plant has progressed to 80 per cent.

The upcoming terminal represents a major upgrade over the existing facility. While the current terminal has a built-up area of 3,361 square metres and handles around 550 passengers during peak hours, the new terminal will span 62,800 square metres and accommodate up to 3,000 passengers during peak periods.

Passenger amenities will see a significant expansion. The number of check-in counters will rise from 15 to 40, security screening counters from three to nine, and the terminal will feature five aerobridges, ten escalators and twelve elevators, which are currently absent. Baggage carousels will double from two to four, and five retiring rooms will also be added.

Operational infrastructure is being strengthened as well. The new apron will allow parking for seven aircraft, replacing reliance on the Indian Air Force apron. Dedicated parking for 250 cars and five buses is also planned.

A dedicated cargo terminal is being developed for the first time at Darbhanga Airport. Spread across 860 square metres, it will have an annual handling capacity of 30,000 metric tonnes and a peak capacity of 80 metric tonnes.

Kumar said efforts are also underway to set up a police outpost on the premises. He added that visibility-related disruptions during winter are expected to reduce significantly in the coming years. The Instrument Landing System (ILS) Category I has recently been installed, improving operational reliability in poor weather conditions.

The project also incorporates sustainability features, including a 650-kWp solar power plant, electric vehicle charging stations, an integrated building and energy management system, rainwater harvesting, a 1,150-KLD sewage treatment plant and a solid waste management system capable of processing 1,100 kilograms of waste daily.

Once operational, the new terminal is expected to transform air connectivity in north Bihar by significantly enhancing capacity, improving passenger convenience and supporting regional economic growth.