To prepare for the influx of pilgrims expected during the Maha Kumbh in 2025, the Prayagraj airport has undergone significant expansion at a cost of INR 233 crore. The revamped airport will increase passenger handling capacity from 350 to 2,050 passengers per hour with upgrades to terminal buildings and the apron area. Additional facilities include expanded aircraft parking bays, a new taxiway for smoother operations, night landing capabilities, and improved city-side amenities such as enhanced parking and a culturally inspired theme. Airlines have proposed 14 new flights, and provisions for chartered planes and transfer services for pilgrims are also in place.
To meet the anticipated surge in air travel demand for the upcoming Maha Kumbh in 2025, the Prayagraj airport has been significantly expanded at an investment of INR 233 crore. Earlier this week, it was revealed that the expansion includes the reconfiguration of the existing terminal building, set to be completed by the end of 2024. Once operational, the revamped facility will increase the airport's passenger handling capacity from 350 to 850 per hour.
Sources reported that the upgraded terminal will operate alongside a partially commissioned new terminal, adding an additional capacity of 1,200 passengers per hour. Collectively, the two terminals will handle 2,050 passengers per hour, with the total area of terminal buildings increasing from 6,500 sqm to 18,500 sqm by the end of the month.
The expansion also extends to the apron area, with the number of aircraft parking bays rising from 4 to 15, allowing for seven Airbus A320s and eight smaller aircraft to be accommodated simultaneously. A newly constructed taxiway will facilitate quicker ground operations, and the airport is now equipped for round-the-clock flights with night landing capabilities.
Airlines have responded positively, proposing 14 additional flights to and from the airport. Currently, the airport operates 14 flights daily, and chartered flights are also being planned to cater to the influx of Maha Kumbh visitors.
The city-side area has also been modernised with enhanced amenities, including an increase in car parking capacity from 200 to 600 vehicles. Inside the terminal, a cafe named "Udan Yatri Cafe" will offer budget-friendly refreshments, while the cultural essence of Prayagraj will be reflected in airport artwork based on the "Triveni" theme.
To ensure seamless connectivity for pilgrims, the Uttar Pradesh State government has planned dedicated airport transfer facilities to the 'Triveni' area, the main venue for the Maha Kumbh. The Maha Kumbh, which occurs every 12 years, will take place in 2025, attracting an estimated 400 million pilgrims from January to February.
The Prayagraj airport expansion is a strategic response to the logistical demands of the Maha Kumbh, ensuring a smooth and comfortable travel experience for the millions of pilgrims expected. Additionally, the collaboration between the Centre, airlines, and the state government highlights a robust planning effort to manage one of the world's largest religious gatherings. This initiative underscores the region's commitment to integrating cultural preservation with modern infrastructure.
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