Bhubaneswar, 25 August (H.S.): The Union Government has approved the construction of a third terminal (T-3) at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar to accommodate growing passenger traffic and strengthen regional connectivity. Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu announced the development during a regional review meeting held in the city on Monday.

Minister Naidu stated that the proposed T-3 terminal is currently in the planning phase and will significantly enhance the airport’s passenger handling capacity. Notably, the design of the new terminal will highlight Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing the state’s art, history, and legacy to arriving visitors.

“Passengers landing at Bhubaneswar will get an immersive experience of Odisha’s identity through the terminal’s architecture and design,” the Minister said.

In addition to the new terminal, the government is also considering the construction of a new building on the site of the existing old terminal, as part of ongoing efforts to upgrade infrastructure at the airport.

Highlighting broader plans for the state’s aviation sector, the Minister revealed that Odisha has 20 airstrips, some of which are under evaluation for development into full-fledged airports, in collaboration with the state government.

Providing an update on the long-awaited Puri airport project, Naidu confirmed that the Union government has already granted in-principle approval. He added that all land and site-related issues have been resolved, and the ball is now in the Odisha government’s court to proceed with the next steps.

The proposed T-3 terminal at Bhubaneswar, alongside the Puri airport and potential upgrades to smaller airstrips, is expected to transform Odisha’s aviation landscape. The expansion aims to reduce congestion at Bhubaneswar airport, promote tourism to key heritage sites, and enhance trade and connectivity across the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda