Team TrickyScribe: Patna’s Jay Prakash Narayan International (JPNI) Airport has taken a significant leap in cargo infrastructure with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Domestic Air Cargo Terminal. The facility was inaugurated on February 25, 2025, by K. Selvakumar, General Manager, Cargo, Officiating Airport Director Umashankar, and Regional Director of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security Rajeev Kumar. The terminal, spanning 3,392 sqm, is strategically located near the airport’s Technical Block and is set to revolutionize cargo movement in Bihar.
Modern Facilities for Efficient Cargo Handling
Unlike the previous 322 sqm cargo facility, which was limited to handling IndiGo’s outbound cargo with an annual capacity of 7,500 metric tonnes (MT), the new terminal is equipped with cutting-edge infrastructure to handle 22,000 MT of cargo annually. Key features include:
• Dedicated zones for inbound and outbound cargo movement
• Strong room for high-value cargo
• Cold storage facilities for perishable goods (both inbound and outbound)
• Meeting rooms, airline/agency offices
• Truck docks and dedicated parking spaces
• Advanced security systems, including X-ray screening, CCTV, DFMD, and ETD
• Fire safety equipment and public amenities
A Game-Changer for Bihar’s Agricultural Exports
One of the most notable enhancements of the new cargo terminal is its temperature-controlled cold storage. This development is expected to be a game-changer for Bihar’s agricultural exports, particularly litchis and mangoes, which are in high demand across domestic and international markets. With dedicated cold storage, farmers and traders will be able to preserve the freshness of their produce, ensuring seamless transportation to various destinations.
All Airlines Under One Roof
For the first time, major airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Air India Express will be able to conduct cargo operations under one roof. The terminal will be operated and managed by AAICLAS-RA registered agents, ensuring streamlined logistics and improved efficiency in cargo handling.
Investment in Growth: A ₹8.5 Crore Project
The new cargo terminal has been constructed at a cost of ₹8.5 crore, reflecting the commitment to enhancing aviation-based logistics in Bihar. The upgraded infrastructure will significantly reduce delays, improve cargo acceptance, and enhance distribution efficiency for airlines and logistics operators.
Boosting Bihar’s Trade and Economy
With this expansion, Patna Airport is poised to become a major hub for air cargo in eastern India. The improved facility will not only benefit the agricultural sector but also boost trade, e-commerce, and other commercial shipments from Bihar. As demand for faster and more efficient cargo movement grows, this development will play a crucial role in strengthening the state’s economic and logistical landscape.
With the litchi and mango season around the corner, the timing of this cargo upgrade couldn’t be better. The enhanced capabilities at Patna Airport are set to transform Bihar’s perishable exports, giving local farmers and traders a significant edge in the national and international markets.
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