The Union Cabinet has greenlit a significant proposal worth Rs 2,869.65 crore for the expansion of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi. This development project aims to boost the airport’s capacity and enhance its infrastructure to better serve the increasing number of passengers.
The expansion plan includes extending the runway to a substantial 4075 metres in length and 45 metres in width. Additionally, a new apron will be constructed to park up to 20 aircraft, which will greatly improve the airport’s operational efficiency.
Announced by Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the development will not only involve the runway and apron extension but also the construction of a new terminal building, a parallel taxi track, and various other related works. These enhancements are expected to significantly improve passenger experience and streamline airport operations.
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, located in Varanasi, is in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has put forth this proposal, which aims to increase the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity from the current 3.9 million passengers to an impressive 9.9 million passengers.
This ambitious project underscores the government’s commitment to upgrading the nation’s aviation infrastructure, catering to the growing air travel demand, and ensuring that facilities keep pace with modern requirements. The expanded airport will play a crucial role in accommodating the rising number of travellers and boosting regional connectivity, thereby supporting economic growth and development in the area.
