The Union ministry of civil aviation and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) will start the construction of the new terminal and allied infrastructure at the Bagdogra airport next month, said Darjeeling MP Raju Bista.

“The foundation stone for the new terminal and infrastructure expansion will be laid next month. The Centre has sanctioned Rs 3,000 crore for the project and half of the amount will be spent in the first phase. For civil projects, the tender process of Rs 1,000 crore has been completed and a Bangalore-based firm will carry out the work. The remaining amount of Rs 500 crore would be spent on interiors,” said Bista, who is also the chairman of the airport’s advisory committee.

On Thursday, members of the committee held a meeting at the airport.

Bista said the first phase of the project would be completed by April 2026.

According to him, in the first phase, six aero bridges and four remote bridges would be readied. “Once the second phase is complete, the number of aerobridges will increase to 10 while two more remote bridges will be added. This means, unlike four or five flights which can stand (in parking bays) now, 16 flights would be able to stand at the airport,” he said.

According to the plan, a terminal with an area of 70,000 square metres will come up in the first phase. Another 50,000 square metres would be added to the new terminal. As of now, the terminal is spread over 10,000 square metres.

Bista, while talking to newspersons, also spoke of some works which have been taken up at the existing terminal.

“The sitting capacity has been increased at the building and now, 700 to 800 people can sit in the security hold area. A canopy would be installed
outside the building by spending Rs 2 crore so that people do not face problems during scorching sunshine and rain. Seven kiosks have been installed for boarding passes,” he said.

Also, a new conveyor belt and a new x-ray machine have been put at the airport.

Sources said to facilitate the landing of aircraft during inclement weather which leads to low visibility, the localizer —equipment which helps in landing — is working in a full-fledged manner.