"Rs 5,000 Crore Upgrade Underway for Lucknow Airport."

The Adani Group has recently announced a massive upgrade plan for the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (CCSIA) in Lucknow, with an investment of up to Rs 5,000 crore. This move aims to expand the airport's capacity to handle increasing air traffic and improve the overall passenger experience.

The Lucknow International Airport Ltd (LIAL) has requested a tariff hike to fund the construction of a large integrated terminal and associated facilities to increase aircraft movement. The existing two terminals have a combined passenger handling capacity of 43 lakh flyers per annum, while they are currently handling 55 lakh flyers, exceeding their built capacity by 28 percent.

To address this issue, the Adani Group plans to build a new integrated terminal 3 (T3), which will have the capacity to handle 80 lakh passengers per annum in its first phase. The official stated that T3's phase 1 should be ready by October this year, and phase 2, with an additional capacity of 50 lakh passengers per annum, should be completed within a year, bringing T3's total capacity to 1.3 crores.

The new T3 terminal will feature e-gates, self-baggage drop counters, and new lounges to enhance the overall passenger experience. Additionally, there will be a "super app" to boost digital travel with ease, as well as dedicated OLA, Uber, and taxi pick-up and drop-off zones.

The proposed increase in user development fees is being compared with existing UDF rates at Lucknow International Airport. However, the Adani Group believes that there is a significant gap between the proposed and existing infrastructure, and the proposed UDF rates are in line with other major airports with similar infrastructure.

The LIAL has environmental clearance to take the airport's capacity up to almost 4 crore flyers per annum, given the potential of the place. With Uttar Pradesh being one of the fastest-growing states in India, and Lucknow being the centre for all business activities in the state, this move aims to establish a viable and sustainable business ecosystem, enhancing the airport's catchment area, creating airport infrastructure in accordance with projected traffic, and ensuring safe and efficient airport operations.

A majority of the capital expenditure projects are related to the development of airside and terminal capacity, matching projected exponential passenger growth at CCSIA. LIAL also plans to enhance the green cover of the area by planting 1.5 lakh saplings, with over a lakh decorative planters and indoor plants in T3.

This investment is a significant boost to the Indian aviation industry and the overall economy. With the increasing demand for air travel, it is essential to upgrade existing infrastructure and build new facilities to cater to the needs of the growing passenger traffic. The Adani Group's investment in Lucknow International Airport is a step in the right direction, as it will not only improve the airport's capacity but also enhance the passenger experience.

Moreover, the proposed increase in user development fees is justified, considering the massive investment being made in infrastructure development. The airport's new terminal will feature modern amenities, making it a pleasant experience for passengers traveling to and from Lucknow.

The Adani Group's investment in the aviation industry is a testament to its commitment to the development of the country's infrastructure. With the potential for exponential growth in passenger traffic, this move is sure to drive economic growth and create new job opportunities in the region. The development of the Lucknow International Airport is a significant step in establishing Uttar Pradesh as a hub for business activities and a major contributor to the Indian economy.

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