A terminal inspired by ancient ruins and traditional art
In short: How does a modern airport honor 5th-century history? In Bihar, the new Jay Prakash Narayan Airport blends high-tech biometric entry with the aesthetics of Nalanda University. It is a study in reconciling physical constraints—like a railway line blocking expansion—with cultural preservation and massive infrastructure growth.
The expansion of Patna's airport highlights a significant engineering paradox: the facility is physically constrained by its surroundings. Because it sits between Phulwari Sharif railway station and Sanjay Gandhi Jaivik Udyan, the airport's single asphalt strip of 45 metres by 2,072 metres (148 ft × 6,798 ft) cannot host big planes. Past attempts to extend the runway have failed because the arterial line of the Indian Railways straddles the airport to the southwest. To bypass these limitations, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) invested ₹1,217 crore (US$152 million) in a new two-level passenger terminal. Inaugurated on 29 May 2025 and operational by 3 June 2025, the 65,150 square metre facility was designed by the Singapore-based firm Meinhardt.
The architecture intentionally mirrors the ruins of Nalanda University, utilizing an insulated roofing system and heat-minimising glazing to target a 4-star GRIHA eco-rating while featuring Madhubani art and traditional carvings. The project significantly scales capacity: it can handle approximately 10 million passengers annually—up from a previous proposal of 4.5 million—and accommodates 3,000 passengers at peak hours. To support bigger jets, the AAI intends to build a civil enclave at Bihta Air Force Station, which sits 20 km away, despite current runway constraints. This move ensures that while Patna's cultural heart remains preserved, its logistical reach continues to expand.
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