In a major boost for Odisha’s aviation infrastructure, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has approved the much-anticipated parallel taxiway (PTT) and rapid exit taxiway (RET) at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar.
This long-pending clearance is set to significantly enhance the airport’s efficiency and reduce aircraft delays.
With the RET now allowing aircraft to exit the 2,744-meter runway within just 1,300 meters, operations will become smoother, reducing runway occupancy and improving turnaround times—especially crucial during peak traffic hours.
Originally proposed in 2018, the project had hit a roadblock due to land encroachments near the Farm Gate area. A breakthrough came in 2020, when the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation successfully relocated over 100 families, clearing the path for construction. Now, with the infrastructure complete and greenlit, BPIA is primed for next-level functionality.
The airport’s runway lighting system is also scheduled for reconfiguration, enabling future tech upgrades, while plans are underway to switch from diesel to electric tugs—a move aligned with India’s push for green aviation.
The airport is also expanding international connectivity. After successful launches of flights to Dubai, Singapore, and Bangkok, direct service to Abu Dhabi will begin June 12—a strategic move given the high number of Odia expats in the Gulf region.
On the domestic front, Bhubaneswar now links to 28 cities, including new routes to Ghaziabad (Hindon), Goa, and Port Blair.
Beyond Bhubaneswar, Odisha’s skies are getting busier too. Jharsuguda launched daily flights to Mumbai in March, and Puri received clearance for a new greenfield airport, further cementing the state’s ambition to become a regional aviation hub.
