Bhubaneswar Airport Gets Major Upgrade with DGCA Approval for Parallel Taxiway and Rapid Exit Track
Bhubaneswar, (OT Webdesk) – In a major boost to Odisha’s aviation sector, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted clearance for the much-anticipated parallel taxiway (PTT) and rapid exit taxiway (RET) at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar.
This development is set to significantly enhance airport efficiency and minimise aircraft delays.
The RET will allow aircraft to exit the 2,744-meter-long runway within just 1,300 meters, reducing runway occupancy and enabling quicker turnaround times. This improvement is crucial for peak-hour congestion, ensuring smoother operations.
The project, initially proposed in 2018, faced delays due to land encroachments near Farm Gate. However, in 2020, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation successfully relocated over 100 families, clearing the way for construction. Now, with the DGCA’s green signal, the airport is ready to upgrade to next-level functionality.
Additionally, the runway lighting system is set for reconfiguration, laying the groundwork for future technological enhancements. In line with India’s green aviation initiatives, BPIA will also transition from diesel-powered tugs to electric ones, promoting sustainability.
With expanding international connectivity, Bhubaneswar is reinforcing its global presence. Following successful flights to Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok, a new direct flight to Abu Dhabi is set to launch on June 12, catering to the large Odia expat community in the Gulf region.
On the domestic front, Bhubaneswar now connects to 28 cities, including Ghaziabad (Hindon), Goa, and Port Blair. Beyond Bhubaneswar, Jharsuguda has introduced daily flights to Mumbai, and Puri has secured approval for a new greenfield airport, further supporting Odisha’s ambition to emerge as a regional aviation hub.
