The Bareilly Airport expansion project is finally taking off, with the state government and district administration resolving land acquisition hurdles. Spanning 28 acres, this ambitious upgrade promises to transform the airport into a key regional hub, enabling larger aircraft operations and enhanced connectivity. Here’s everything you need to know about the project, its construction phases, and the benefits it will bring.
Land Acquisition Cleared: 23 Acres to Be Purchased from Farmers
For the expansion, approximately 22.9 acres of land have been identified in Mudiya Ahmadnagar and Chawad villages. Out of the total 28 acres, 23 acres will be acquired from farmers, while a proposal to obtain 5 acres from the Indian Air Force is awaiting approval. According to Tehsildar Bhanu Pratap, most objections raised during the acquisition process have been addressed. A few cases, particularly related to Scheduled Caste land, remain pending in the SDM court, with compensation secured for those affected. Airport authorities are hopeful that the land transfer will be completed by the end of April 2025.
Two-Phase Construction Plan
Airport Director Avadhesh Agarwal outlined that the development will proceed in two phases:
- Phase 1: The terminal building will expand from its current 3,000 square meters to 15,000 square meters.
- Phase 2: The terminal will further grow to 30,000 square meters.
Currently, the airport has three aprons, which will increase to 10 with the addition of seven new ones. An additional taxiway is also planned to complement the existing one.
Dual Taxiways to Enable Larger Aircraft Operations
At present, the airport relies on a single taxiway under the Air Force’s jurisdiction. The proposed second taxiway will be wider, facilitating the movement of larger aircraft to the aprons. This upgrade is expected to pave the way for direct flights from Bareilly to major destinations.
New Flights to Kushinagar and Delhi on the Horizon
According to the Airport Director, approvals for flights to Kushinagar and Delhi have already been secured. An airline has procured a new aircraft for the Kushinagar route, while the Delhi flight awaits slot allocation. Currently, Bareilly offers connectivity to Mumbai and Bengaluru. Plans are underway to extend services to Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Jharkhand, and South Indian cities, with airlines being invited to participate.
Push from the Airports Authority of India
In August 2024, Sanjeev Kumar, Chairman of the Airports Authority of India, wrote to the state government highlighting the need for this expansion. The letter emphasized the construction of a larger terminal, additional aprons, and taxiways, setting the stage for rapid progress on the project.
What’s in It for Bareilly?
- Improved Connectivity: Direct flights to major cities will boost trade and tourism.
- Economic Growth: Enhanced air infrastructure will create local job opportunities.
- Travel Convenience: Larger aircraft operations will make long-distance travel easier.
Conclusion
The Bareilly Airport expansion across 28 acres is set to redefine the region’s aviation landscape. With land acquisition hurdles cleared and construction slated to begin soon, the airport is poised to become a vital link for national and international travel. Are you excited about this transformation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!