Eco-conscious extension at Bagdogra Airport: Introducing a terminal designed to manage 1,000 passengers per hour.
Bagdogra Airport's Sustainable Terminal Expansion
Bagdogra Airport, nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, is undergoing a significant transformation with the construction of a modern terminal. The new facility, designed to resemble the Darjeeling tea gardens and the Kangchenjunga range, is being built with sustainability and efficiency in mind.
The project, announced in February 2025, will span 1.2 million square feet upon completion in March 2027. The terminal is located on flood-prone land, and climate resilience has been prioritized in the planning. Key features include a comprehensive stormwater management system with culverts, retaining walls, and integrated drainage channels to manage flooding and ensure year-round operability.
The terminal aims to be a net-zero carbon building. It will incorporate passive design strategies, low-emissivity (low-E) energy-efficient glazing, natural ventilation zones, large column-free interiors, and on-site renewable energy systems such as solar panels.
Architecturally, the terminal merges high performance with cultural sensitivity by embedding local Himalayan motifs and using climatic efficiency measures to reduce energy consumption. The interiors are designed to be intuitive and welcoming, grounding the building in its geographic and cultural context while advancing India's climate goals and green building standards.
Bagdogra, a hill station located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, is often considered the gateway to Northeast India and the Eastern Himalayas. The new terminal will significantly expand the airport's capacity, handling up to 1,000 passengers per hour. It will play a vital role in regional connectivity, positioned between North Bengal and the Northeast.
The new terminal is being constructed by the Airports Authority of India with the aim of becoming a climate-conscious aviation hub. The project will roll out in two phases, first building a 70,400 sq m terminal, followed by upgrades to runways and taxiways in a second phase. Upon completion, the new terminal is expected to stand out as both a local landmark and a model for sustainable airport infrastructure in India.
[1] The Hindu [2] The Times of India [3] Business Standard [4] Deccan Herald
- "The expansion of Bagdogra Airport, focusing on environmental science and climate-change mitigation, aims to construct a net-zero carbon terminal, merging cultural sensitivity, technology, and environmental practices to create a climate-conscious aviation hub, setting a benchmark for sustainable airport infrastructure in India."
- "As the new Bagdogra Airport terminal, modeled after Darjeeling tea gardens and the Kangchenjunga range, prepares to reduce energy consumption with local Himalayan motifs and climatic efficiency measures, lifestyle changes and advancements in technology will enable the sustainable terminal to manage flooding and operate year-round."
- "Upon completion in 2027, the Bagdogra Airport Sustainable Terminal Expansion will not only enhance travel experiences with a welcoming design but also contribute to India's climate goals by embodying efficient energy usage, renewable technologies, and flood resilience, as mentioned in Science Today."
