Rising as an Aviation Powerhouse
Odisha is steadily positioning itself on the global map not just for mineral wealth and industrial growth but also for its expanding aviation infrastructure. With a vision to transform Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA), Bhubaneswar into a world-class aviation hub, the state is embarking on an ambitious journey. The upcoming Rs 1,000-crore expansion project and the establishment of the country’s largest Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility are set to elevate Odisha’s status, making it a magnet for both domestic and international carriers.
Old Tower Nears Retirement
The airport’s landscape is changing rapidly, and one of the most visible symbols of this transition is the decades-old Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower. Standing 23.46 metres tall, the tower has already been vacated after its systems were shifted to a new state-of-the-art facility in early 2023. While it briefly served as a backup, all navigation and communication equipment have since been relocated.
Airport authorities have now approached the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to formally decommission the old tower. Inspectors are expected to conduct a final review before clearance is granted. Officials are also weighing the option of repurposing the adjacent anti-hijacking building into a backup control centre after dismantling the tower.
New Tower: Advanced but Awaiting Safety Compliance
The new 11-storey ATC tower, rising 44.2 metres, is nearly double the height of its predecessor and equipped with sophisticated automation systems designed under the Make in India initiative. This facility has already improved the handling of growing traffic, especially during night-time operations and adverse weather conditions, while serving as an alternate landing hub for flights.
Yet, despite its cutting-edge systems, the tower has faced scrutiny. Reports in late 2024 flagged that it was operating without a mandatory fire safety certificate due to non-compliance with the National Building Code, particularly the absence of dual escape routes. While it has not hindered operations, the lack of official safety clearance remains a matter of concern, and the airport authorities are yet to clarify whether certification has since been secured.
Expansion Blueprint: Terminal 3 on the Horizon
Alongside air traffic management upgrades, BPIA is preparing for a massive infrastructural overhaul. The centrepiece of this plan is the construction of a new integrated Terminal 3 (T3), at an estimated cost of Rs 1,000 crore. Spread over 65,000 square metres, the terminal will replace earlier split-terminal proposals and is expected to cater to 8.6 million passengers annually.
The design will feature six new aerobridges, enlarged apron space, and enhanced facilities for seamless passenger movement. Authorities believe the integrated approach will eliminate the logistical challenges of separate arrival and departure terminals, streamlining the passenger experience and ensuring the airport can handle increasing traffic efficiently.
India’s Largest MRO Hub at Bhubaneswar
Perhaps the most transformative development is the decision to establish India’s largest Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) centre at the airport. Approved by the State Cabinet, the project has been entrusted to Air Works India (Engineering) Pvt. Ltd., the country’s oldest and largest MRO provider.
The facility will be a game-changer for the aviation industry in eastern India. Currently, airlines spend nearly 12–15% of their revenue on aircraft maintenance, often outsourcing services to other states or even abroad. By localising these services in Odisha, not only will costs reduce, but the state will also emerge as a hub for aviation-linked industries.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja highlighted the long-term impact, stating that the MRO project will accelerate industrial growth in Odisha while creating large-scale employment. He added that it will help the state tap into the USD 117 billion global MRO market projected by NITI Aayog for 2031.
Incentives and Strategic Positioning
The project will operate under the B-MAAN (Building and Management of Aviation Assets and Network) scheme and benefit from special incentives announced in the Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR) 2022 to attract investments. According to Airport Director Prasanna Pradhan, the MRO setup will require significant capital inflow but is expected to draw sustained interest given the rising demand for commercial aircraft worldwide.
Pradhan further emphasized that with the facility operational, many domestic and international carriers will increasingly choose Odisha as their preferred hub, adding momentum to the state’s aviation ecosystem.
Odisha Touching New Heights
The transformation of Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport is more than a physical expansion—it represents a vision of Odisha’s future. By blending modern infrastructure with strategic projects like Terminal 3 and the largest MRO facility, the state is preparing to become a national aviation leader.
As Odisha’s skies grow busier and its aviation ecosystem deepens, the airport will not only boost connectivity and commerce but also serve as a symbol of the state’s ambition to “touch the sky with glory.” With such forward-looking initiatives, Bhubaneswar is well on its way to becoming a major aviation hub, ensuring Odisha takes its rightful place in India’s growth story.
(With agency inputs)
