To meet the expected rise in air travel demands of pilgrims attending the major religious assemblage of Maha Kumbh, the Centre has expanded the Prayagraj airport at a cost of ₹233 crore.
Accordingly, the expansion plan, which will be completed by December 31, 2024, will include an upgrade by reconfiguring the existing terminal building.
The reconfigured facility will directly lead to a rise in passenger handling capacity to 850 from the current 350 per hour.
Sources told businessline, that the upgraded building will be complemented by the partial commissioning of a new terminal, which will add another 1,200 passenger per hour handling capacity.
Both terminal buildings combined will have a handling capacity of around 2,050 passengers per hour by December 31, 2024.The combined size of the terminal buildings by the month-end will increase from 6,500 sqm to 18,500 sqm.
Besides, the apron area has also been increased to allow for a greater number of flight operations to and from the airport.
Notably, the aircraft parking bays capacity has been increased from 4 to 15.This will allow parking of seven Airbus A320s and eight small aircraft, practically more than doubling operations at the airport.
In addition, one new taxiway has been built to speed up ground operations, while the airport is fully equipped to handle night landing facilities for round-the-clock operations.
On their part, airlines have shown interest in operating more flights to and from the airport.
As per sources, 14 new flights have been proposed to operate to and from the airport. At present, the airport handles 14 flights per day. Additionally, plans are afoot to accommodate chartered planes for Maha Kumbh visitors.
The city side area has also been given a facelift with enhanced facilities. The capacity of car parking has increased from 200 to 600.
Inside the terminal, a ‘Udan Yatri Cafe’ will come up to provide affordable essential refreshments for travellers.
Furthermore, the “Triveni” theme, reflecting Prayagraj’s cultural heritage, will be incorporated via artwork inside and outside the airport area.
In addition, airport transfer facilities to the ‘Triveni’ area, where the Maha Kumbh is held, will also be made available to the passengers. This service will be provided by the UP State government.
The Maha Kumbh is organised every 12 years. In 2025, it will commence from January 13 to February 26 at Prayagraj. Estimates suggest that nearly 40 crore, or 400 million pilgrims will attend the Maha Kumbh next year.