Adani group to create world-class infrastructure in Guwahati airport

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 7, 2024

Guwahati International Airport Limited (GIAL), a subsidiary of Adani Airport Holdings Limited, has announced a significant upgrade and development project for the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (GAU) in Guwahati. This upgrade is set to enhance the infrastructure and facilities at the airport, aiming to improve passenger experience and increase operational efficiency.

To create an improved passenger experience at LGBIA, GIAL has earmarked an infusion of Rs 6,100 crores towards the development of infrastructure and facilities in a phased manner. This is the outcome of a detailed master planning exercise.

Currently, LGBIA has only one passenger terminal (T1) which caters to both domestic and international traffic. T1 was constructed in 1998, over an area of approximately 20,000 sqm, with thecapacity to process approximately 2 million passengers per annum (MPPA). However, with the growth and development seen in the Northeast region of India, the Airport managed about 5.96 million passengers in FY24 – i.e. over 300% of its capacity. The passenger traffic projection at LGBIA stands at 9 MPPA by 2027.

The construction of a New Integrated Terminal Building (NITB), conceptualised by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), was initiated in 2018. Construction of the NITB is underway and is slated for completion in FY25.

Air Traffic Movements (ATM) at LGBIA are expected to increase to approximately 82,000 per annum in FY27 from around 48,000 per annum in FY20. This growth requires substantial revamping of airside infrastructure. On the Airside, GIAL has proposed an extension of the Runway, Construction of a Part Parallel Taxiway and Link Taxiways, Construction of the Second Part Parallel Taxiway, Construction of a Rapid Exit Taxiway, Development of Apron 2, Construction of an Isolation Bay, etc. to cater to the increase in ATM.

Cargo operations at airports provide an impetus for economic growth. Along with passenger growth, as the ‘Gateway to the Northeast’, LGBIA has witnessed a growth in the movement of cargo from Guwahati and nearby areas. GIAL has started Cargo Operations from interim facilities and has planned for the construction of an Integrated Cargo Complex with an annual capacity of 43,260 MT.

Initiatives like DigiYatra, Passenger Wi-fi and other IOT-based projects are planned in order tocreate a best-in class experience for passengers.

GIAL is focused on green initiatives for sustainable growth. This includes moving towards the use of Electric Vehicles, limiting the use of high Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants, and other social awareness programmes.

Operation of the LGBIA was handed over by AAI to GIAL in October 2021 for a tenure of 50 years. As a part of this transition, the existing assets and ongoing capital work were also transferred to GIAL.