Enlargement of Bagdogra Airport: Introduction of an Ecologically Conscious Terminal Capable of Accommodating 1,000 Travelers Every Hour
Bagdogra Airport to Unveil Sustainable, Himalayan-Inspired Terminal
Bagdogra Airport, nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas in West Bengal, is undergoing a significant transformation. The Airports Authority of India has embarked on a major expansion project to construct a modern terminal, ten times the size of the existing facility [1][2][3][4].
Upon completion, scheduled for March 2027, the new terminal will span an impressive 1.2 million square feet (approximately 12 lakh sqft) and will be capable of handling up to 1,000 passengers per hour [1][3][4]. This expansion will greatly increase the airport's capacity and cement Bagdogra's role as a vital hub for regional connectivity, situated between North Bengal and the Northeast.
The design of the new terminal, by CP Kukreja Architects, draws inspiration from the Eastern Himalayan landscape, specifically the Kanchenjunga range and Darjeeling’s tea plantations. The exterior features vertical aluminium fins and sloping pitched roofs that reflect the contours of the surrounding landscape [1][3][4]. The interior will boast large column-free spaces, natural ventilation zones, and culturally inspired decor.
Sustainability and climate resilience are central to the project. Given the terminal's location on flood-prone land, a robust stormwater management system, including culverts, retaining walls, and integrated drainage channels, has been prioritised in the planning [1][2][3][4]. The terminal aims to be a net-zero carbon facility, incorporating passive design strategies, low-E energy-efficient glazing, and on-site renewable energy systems to minimise its carbon footprint [1][2][3][4].
Bagdogra Airport plays a crucial role as the primary air entry point for travellers to destinations such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, the Dooars, and Sikkim. With the new terminal, it is set to become a climate-conscious aviation hub, standing out as both a local landmark and a model for sustainable airport infrastructure in India.
The project will roll out in two phases. The first phase will build a 70,400 sq m terminal, followed by upgrades to runways and taxiways. A second phase will add another 50,000 sq m to the terminal, enhancing capacity and efficiency [1][3]. Bagdogra Airport operates with a single runway and functions as a "civil enclave" - a designated zone within a military airbase reserved for civilian air traffic.
Bagdogra, often considered the gateway to Northeast India and the Eastern Himalayas, is a mid-sized facility with separate terminals for domestic and a few international flights, allowing restricted international services to destinations such as Bangkok-Suvarnabhumi and Paro [1][2]. The announcement of Bagdogra Airport's major transformation was made in February 2025 [1][2].
As the expansion progresses, the new terminal at Bagdogra Airport promises to be a testament to sustainable, Himalayan-inspired design, setting a new standard for airport infrastructure in India.
[1] Times of India
[2] The Hindu
[3] Business Standard
[4] India Today
- The design for Bagdogra Airport's new terminal, inspired by the Eastern Himalayan landscape, demonstrates a strong alignment with environmental-science principles, making it a fitting exemplar for sustainable, climate-conscious architecture in the realm of technological advancements.
- The terminal's aim to be a net-zero carbon facility signifies a significant shift in travel lifestyle, as Bagdogra Airport moves towards minimizing its carbon footprint while continuing to ensure seamless connectivity to destinations such as Darjeeling, Kalimpong, the Dooars, and Sikkim.
- As Bagdogra Airport unveils its sustainable, Himalayan-inspired terminal, the expansion project serves as a potential catalyst for other infrastructure developments in the region, promoting technologies that protect the environment and contribute to climate-change mitigation efforts.
