Adani Group To Invest Rs 5,000 Cr In Upgradation Of Lucknow Airport

The Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (CCSIA) in Lucknow will be significantly improved in the near future. The Adani Group intends to invest up to Rs 5,000 crore in the upgrade.

According to official sources, Lucknow International Airport (LIAL) has requested a tariff increase in order to fund, among other things, a large integrated terminal and associated facilities in order to increase aircraft movement.

The existing two terminals' combined passenger handling capacity is 43 lakh flyers per year, but they now handle 55 lakh flyers or 28 per cent more than their built capacity.

“The first phase of the new integrated terminal 3 (T3), with a capacity of 80 lakh passengers per year, is expected to open in October. After that, phase II should be ready in a year with an additional capacity of 50 lakh passengers per year, bringing T3's total capacity to 1.3 crores,” the official said.

T3's main features will be e-gates, self-baggage drop counters, and new lounges.

“The proposed increase in user development fees is being compared to the current UDF rates of Lucknow International Airport, despite the fact that there is a significant difference between the proposed and existing infrastructure. The proposed UDF rates at Lucknow Airport are comparable to those at other major airports with matching infrastructure,” according to a CCSIA spokesperson.

There will be a "super app" to facilitate digital travel. T3 will have designated pick-up and drop-off zones for OLA, Uber, and taxis.

According to sources, given the location's potential, LIAL has environmental clearance to increase capacity to nearly 4 crore flyers per year.

“Uttar Pradesh is one of the fastest growing states, with a USD 1 trillion economy on the way. As the state's capital, Lucknow is the focal point for all business activities. Our goal for the proposed infrastructure development at CCSIA is to create a viable and sustainable business ecosystem by expanding the airport's catchment area, building airport infrastructure in accordance with projected traffic, ensuring safe and efficient airport operations, and providing a pleasant experience for our passengers in Lucknow,” he said.

The majority of capital expenditure projects at CCSIA are related to the development of the airside and terminal capacity to match the projected exponential passenger growth.

LIAL will also increase the area's green cover by planting 1.5 lakh saplings. Over a lakh, decorative planters and indoor plants will be available at T3.