Imphal International Airport expands with new cargo services and terminal project to boost connectivity and trade in Manipur.
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IMPHAL — Imphal International Airport in Manipur is poised to become one of the busiest airports in the Northeast after Guwahati, following the inauguration of integrated cargo services and the completion of its new integrated terminal building, officials said.
Speaking to reporters in Imphal on Saturday, Airport Director Chipemmi Keishing said the airport has witnessed remarkable growth in aircraft movements and passenger traffic over the past 12 years.
Today, the airport regularly handles more than 16 scheduled arrivals and 16 scheduled departures daily. Total aircraft movements often exceed 50 per day, including non-scheduled flights, Keishing said.
He noted that the airport currently handles around 3,000 arriving and 3,000 departing passengers every day, with Imphal now connected to all major metropolitan cities in India.
In contrast, the 60-year-old airport managed only four arrivals and four departures daily in 2014, with fewer than 500 arriving and departing passengers each day.
With the steady increase in passenger traffic, several initiatives have been undertaken to improve passenger convenience. The existing terminal building, which has an area of approximately 7,500 square metres, has become congested due to rising passenger volumes.
To address the growing demand for air travel, construction of a new integrated terminal building is underway on the eastern side of the existing terminal.
The new terminal, spread across approximately 22,000 square metres, will feature four aerobridges, separate domestic and international arrival and departure areas, GRIHA 5-Star green building standards, and parking facilities for around 1,000 cars and 15 buses. The current parking area can accommodate only about 250 cars.
At present, the project has achieved approximately 50 per cent physical progress, Keishing said.
Every effort is being made to complete the project within the stipulated timeline, subject to the smooth availability of logistics and transportation support, he added.
On cargo operations, Keishing said construction of the integrated cargo terminal has been completed and the facility is awaiting inauguration next month.
According to him, the operationalisation of the new cargo terminal will significantly boost trade and commerce in Manipur. All airlines operating from Imphal will be able to handle cargo, increasing the airport's cargo capacity to around 1,500 metric tonnes per month, compared to the current volume of about 500 metric tonnes.
The cargo services will be operated by Rahul Roadways, he added.
The airport has also completed the construction of an additional dedicated helipad for helicopter services operated by Pawan Hans and Global Vectra. The facility is awaiting formal commissioning and is expected to enhance inter-district connectivity within the state.