Eco-Friendly Enlargement at Bagdogra Airport: Introducing a New Terminal Capable of Accommodating 1,000 Passengers Each Hour

Eco-Friendly Enlargement at Bagdogra Airport: Introducing a New Terminal Capable of Accommodating 1,000 Passengers Each Hour

Bagdogra Airport's Expansion Unveils Climate-Conscious Aviation Hub

Bagdogra Airport, the gateway to Northeast India and the Eastern Himalayas, is undergoing a significant transformation with the construction of a new terminal. The Airports Authority of India is spearheading this project, aiming to complete it by March 2027.

The new terminal, spanning 1.2 million square feet, will handle 1,000 passengers per hour, significantly boosting capacity and regional connectivity. This expansion is a major step towards making Bagdogra Airport a highly climate-conscious aviation hub.

Climate-Resilient Design

Given the terminal's location on flood-prone land, climate resilience has been prioritised in the planning. The project incorporates a robust stormwater management system, including culverts, retaining walls, and integrated drainage channels to manage excess water effectively. This makes Bagdogra Airport one of India's pioneering infrastructure projects addressing environmental vulnerabilities proactively.

Sustainability and Net-Zero Carbon Goal

The new terminal is being developed as a net-zero carbon facility. Passive design strategies, energy-efficient low-E glazing, and on-site renewable energy systems will be employed to reduce its carbon footprint, aligning with India's climate goals.

Architectural Inspiration

The terminal's architecture draws inspiration from the surrounding Eastern Himalayas, particularly Kanchenjunga and Darjeeling’s tea plantations. Elements such as vertical aluminium fins and sloping pitched roofs reflect local topography and culture, creating a distinctive and aesthetically pleasing design.

Size and Scope

The built-up area is approximately 1.2 million square feet, within a site footprint of 4.5 million square feet, emphasising large-scale but environmentally sensitive infrastructure.

Second Phase

A second phase will add another 50,000 sq m to the terminal, enhancing capacity and efficiency. This expansion will further solidify Bagdogra Airport's position as a key hub for travel to destinations such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, the Dooars, and Sikkim.

The Bagdogra Airport expansion project is a model for climate-resilient infrastructure in India’s aviation sector, particularly for ecologically sensitive Himalayan regions. It demonstrates how infrastructure can integrate environmental risk, sustainability, and regional identity from the outset.

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1. In the realm of environmental-science, Bagdogra Airport's expansion project is pioneering sustainable living by aiming to make the new terminal a net-zero carbon facility.
2. As regional connectivity grows with the expanded Bagdogra Airport, tourists and travelers can explore destinations like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Sikkim, embracing sustainable-living principles as they traverse the stunning home-and-garden landscapes of Northeast India.
3. Given that the architecture of the new terminal pays homage to the striking climate-change landscapes of the Eastern Himalayas, it represents a unique blend of lifestyle and environmental consciousness, reflecting both the science of climate-change and the culture of the region.

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