In
the previous article I had tried to put forth my vision for upgrading the
neighbouring areas of Patna Junction – this article would concentrate on Patna
Airport. In recent times, Patna Airport has always been in news both for good
and bad reasons. Good because it ranks high among those airports which are
registering maximum traffic growth; Bad because it is considered as one of the
riskiest in the country because of the short length of its runway.
Patna’s
Jai Prakash Narayan International Airport has a peculiar location – it is
surrounded by the botanical garden on one side and railway tracks give it
company on other. Bounded by the city on other sides, there is little scope for
the expansion in its current location. Also, the presence of tall trees (of
botanical garden) on one side, historic clock tower of old secretariat and
railway cabin on others affects the approach funnel resulting in further reduction
of effective runway length available for the aircrafts. This not only makes it risky
for the aircrafts operating from the airport but also renders airport
unsuitable for the usage of big planes restricting airport’s potential. This
shortage of space (254 acres vs. 4000 acres of Bangalore Airport) also affects in
providing quality amenities to the passengers. Thus, it is imperative that
Patna needs a new and better airport.
The
search is on for a new site. Initially the proposed site was Bihta (35 km West
of Patna) as it boasts of basic infrastructure including a runway. However, due to difficulty in acquisition of
land, the idea was dropped. Now the news filtering out is that another site is
proposed in Nalanda district which is approximately 65km from Patna. I have earlier
expressed my reservations (in another article) on having airports at a large
distance from city limits as it defeats the purpose of air travel. Further, the
site is not very far from another operational airport at Gaya which is already
being developed as a full-fledged airport.
My
point is that if it not possible to provide adequate land very near to Patna
then we should look for a site which would create more value to the state. We
know that connectivity drives economic activities and in turn growth and prosperity
of a region. Projects like International airport, World class railway station,
Metro service etc. provide tremendous potential for the development of neighbouring
areas and its people. This is primarily the reason that I think it would be reasonable
to explore the option of having the airport north of Ganga. While the first
reaction can be of justified alarm, let me put forth my points to support this
view:
- Agreed that there are issues of connectivity as of now with Mahatma Gandhi Setu perennially plagued of jams. However, even if the site is identified and go ahead given today it will at least take 3-4 years to make the new airport operational. By that time, in all possibility, Digha bridge would be operational as well as Mahatma Gandhi Setu would have been adequately repaired. With the proposal of another 8 lane mega bridge doing the rounds, we could have a very good connectivity of the northern part of state with Patna by the time such an airport comes into existence.
- Further, state government has evinced interest for setting up Metro services in Patna. If that service is started near along the banks of Ganga (I am not a technical person to know the viability of such a proposition) then can’t it be extended to provide connectivity to across Ganga as well?
- The third argument for connectivity (though a minor one) could be to explore the option of supporting surface transport with water transport. With good vessels, the distance can be covered without much ado (jams, snarls etc.) and could provide a viable water transport model if made operational with good frequency and service.
And
now that the issue of connectivity has been more or less addressed by the above
3 points, let us look at the impact of such a move:
- Bihar would have two operational international airports (one at Gaya and one for Patna as proposed in this article) which would be catering to its two geographic divisions – Gaya to South Bihar while Patna to North of Bihar. This makes sense and the two regions would gain equitably from such airports. With North Bihar getting access to an International airport not too far away, the logistics related issues of agro based industries would be addressed to large extent. Further, keeping reasonable distance between two airports would allow each of them to realize its own potential.
- It would help Hajipur (North of Patna across Ganga and a zonal headquarter for Indian Railway) to be developed as the twin city to Patna. I know that the master plan for Patna Metropolitan Region includes Hajipur as well but what is the harm in giving another incentive for its development.
- There could be many other economic benefits for both the regions in selecting the airport of Patna across river Ganga and not in South Bihar.
With
the inevitability of shifting of Patna airport from its current location in
near future, one can wonder what would happen to the current facility. One
possibility is that the existing facility co-exists albeit for smaller planes
or as a training facility or for certain specific economic / commercial purpose
like a dedicated agro based airport. However, I would personally like it to be
turned into green. Patna can have its own version of Central Park in New York.
Though the area is roughly 30% of the Central Park, it would still be welcome
news for the Patnaites craving for Green cover. This proposed cover and the
botanical garden can then literally become the lungs of the city.
However,
till the time such arrangements are made, AAI officials and state government
should work dedicatedly to improve the existing facilities at the current
airport. This becomes important especially as Patna gains prominence as a city with
potential of future growth.
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