DM Reviews Long-Term Traffic Strategy Ahead of Airport Expansion Completion.

As the expansion of Patna’s Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport nears completion, District Magistrate (DM) Chandrashekhar Singh led a site inspection on Saturday to review both immediate and long-term traffic management plans in anticipation of the new terminal’s opening.

The new terminal building is set to open in April, marking a significant capacity increase. Currently able to accommodate five aircraft, the expanded terminal will have space for 11 aircraft, with the construction of six additional parking bays and a parallel taxi track. With increased flight frequency expected, passenger traffic is also anticipated to double, putting added pressure on nearby roads, particularly Peer Ali Path, Singh noted.

To ensure smooth vehicle and passenger movement, the plan includes a two-level arrival and departure route. However, both routes will converge near the same point on Peer Ali Path, raising concerns about potential congestion once the terminal becomes operational.

In response, the meeting decided on immediate traffic measures, including a study on providing U-turns at strategic points, such as in front of the Veterinary College Ground and between the new entry gate and the state hangar. Traffic SP Aprajit Lohan was instructed to implement necessary actions.

For the long term, officials from the road construction department are tasked with designing a comprehensive plan for the area. Singh emphasized the widening and beautification of three key roads: Peer Ali Path, the road leading to Rajabazar, and the road to BSAP. Additionally, the feasibility of constructing slip roads at the new terminal’s exit points will be explored.

Bihar State Road Development Corporation Limited (BSRDC) also proposed the construction of a flyover or underpass to create dedicated entry and exit routes for the terminal. Singh assured that a detailed study of all proposals would be carried out, with the most effective solutions implemented for public benefit.

The inspection was attended by Patna SSP Avkash Kumar, municipal commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar, BSRDC MD, traffic SP, and other senior officials.

ET