Latest news with #JayprakashNarayanInternationalAirport
Time of India
a day ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Reserved auto services begin at city airport with new rules
Patna: Reserved autorickshaw services officially began operating from Patna's Jayprakash Narayan International Airport on Friday. The pick-up and drop-off facilities are now available at the airport's multi-parking area. Until now, autorickshaws were not permitted to enter the airport premises. Under the new arrangement, drivers may enter through the old gate, drop off passengers at the designated multi-parking zone and exit through the same gate. The service is regulated with a set of new rules – all drivers must follow a prescribed dress code, carry ID cards verified by their association and have their full details recorded with both the association and airport authorities. The service was inaugurated by Rajkumar Jha, general secretary of the All India Road Transport Workers Federation (Bihar), who highlighted the need for evolving with the times. "Drivers serving airport routes will receive English language training to better assist foreign travellers and non-Hindi speaking passengers from other states. A prepaid booth will be set up soon. Until then, drivers will carry placards to attract passengers," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Abingdon: If You Were Born Between 1945-1974 You Could Be Eligible For This British Seniors Read More Undo Pappu Yadav, president of the Patna District Autorickshaw Drivers' Association, expressed thanks to the airport director for understanding the drivers' needs and allowing operations from the parking area. "This is a major step in enhancing airport transport facilities while ensuring passenger safety and convenience," he said. The event was attended by several association members and officials, including Mohammad, Mumtaz, Manish Kumar, Pradeep Kumar and parking contractor representative Ram Sundar Prasad Singh, also known as Bauwa Ji.
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
City airport runway likely to be extended at both ends
1 2 Patna: Plans are afoot to extend the runway at Patna's Jayprakash Narayan International Airport at both ends to resolve longstanding operational challenges and bring the facility up to international standards. The district administration is examining the feasibility of extending the airstrip eastwards towards Patna zoo and westwards towards the railway line. Patna divisional commissioner Chandrashekhar Singh, who chaired a meeting of the Airport Environment Management Committee on Monday, said, "The short runway at Patna airport poses landing difficulties. The runway length needs to be increased to meet international standards." He added that a 200-metre extension with a 300-metre width towards Phulwarisharif is being considered as there is vacant govt land in that direction which had been leased to a company. "Besides, a 500-metre extension towards Patna coo is possible if we get around 15 acres of land to the east side. The district administration can provide an additional 15 acres to the zoo from the west, which belongs to Patna Golf Club, a govt property spread over 102 acres," Singh said. He added that the eastern expansion would require converting the existing 700-metre road running from Patna zoo Gate 2 to IAS Bhawan into an underground passage. The Patna district magistrate will submit a proposal to the cabinet secretariat department, incorporating all considerations. Highlighting another obstacle, Patna airport director Krishna Mohan Nehra said the height of the Old Secretariat's clock tower was a major concern. "Currently, the tower is 49.5 metres tall and affects the use of 134 metres of the runway. Due to this, the standard landing angle of three degrees cannot be maintained and aircraft are forced to land at steeper angles of 3.25 to 3.5 degrees," he said. Reducing the tower's height by 17.5 metres would allow for standard landings and optimal runway usage. Singh said the Patna DM would obtain a formal proposal from airport authorities regarding the height reduction and submit it to the cabinet secretariat department for a govt decision. To enhance airside safety, Singh directed Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) officials to ensure proper waste disposal near the airport. PMC informed the committee that the secondary waste collection point at Gardanibagh would be shifted to Yarpur as the new facility is expected to be operational by Aug 15. The commissioner also stressed the need for continuous monitoring and legal action against open meat and fish shops, citing their threat to both aircraft and public health. "Reducing bird attraction sources near Patna airport is essential to avoid bird hit incidents," he said. The airport director added that shops in Phulwarisharif have been removed for safety reasons and campaigns are on to regulate meat shops, manage waste and prune trees regularly. Singh asked the forest officials to remove obstacles and trim trees as per the Obstacle Limitation Survey under the Aircraft Act, 1934. He also directed the installation of CAT-I lights, commissioning of the DVOR system and regular removal of stray dogs from airport premises. The meeting was attended by the Patna DM Thiyagarajan SM, traffic SP Aparajit Lohan and officials from PMC, forest division, Patna zoo, Patna airport and the Danapur railway division.
Time of India
14-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
‘We now pray at night': Ahmedabad plane crash sparks fear among locals near airport
Patna: Thursday's crash in Ahmedabad has sent ripples of fear across the country, especially among residents living close to airports. In Patna, communities surrounding Jayprakash Narayan International Airport are gripped by anxiety with each passing aircraft overhead serving as a grim reminder of what could go wrong. For years, the roar of jet engines was a familiar sound. Now, that very noise has become a source of dread, particularly for children, who once watched flights with wonder. "Local residents are now apprehensive about the safety of their homes and families. Many are praying fervently every time they hear the sound of an aircraft engine, hoping that it will pass safely overhead. The vibrations of low-flying aircraft, once an ordinary part of life, have become a source of concern now," said Rajeshwar Singh, a resident of Birla Colony. Some residents have even begun reciting prayers before bedtime. The short runway of Patna Airport, flanked by Patna zoo and Golf Club on one side and dense residential zones on the others, adds to their distress. "I have started chanting 'Hanuman Chalisa' before going to sleep after the Ahmedabad tragedy for the sake of my family and other residents. The airport should have shifted to the outskirts of the city," said Ranjan Choudhary of Alkapuri. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Rajesh Dwivedi, a govt school teacher from Sadhnapuri, recalled the 2000 Gardanibagh crash. "I saw the flyers' screams when they were charred to death after the crash. It had such an impact on me that I could not have a sound sleep for more than ten days. Now the same memories have once again been recalled in my mind," he said. Children and elderly residents have been particularly affected. "At my age, such incidents make you more nervous. I've started keeping important documents ready, just in case," said 68-year-old Saraswati Devi. "I never thought about the safety of planes until this incident happened. Now, I'm always worried," said Ramesh Prasad of Mahua Bagh. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
British-era clock tower near city airport poses flight safety risk
1 2 Patna: A British-era clock tower near Patna's Jayprakash Narayan International Airport has once again emerged as a safety concern for flight operations with airport authorities warning that its height poses a serious obstacle in the approach path for aircraft. The tower's proximity is preventing full utilisation of the already short runway, an issue that has persisted for over a decade. Ahead of PM Narendra Modi's visit to Patna on May 29, airport authorities sent a letter to the Bihar govt urging it to address the risk posed by the 56-metre-tall structure, located at the Old Secretariat. The letter reiterated previous requests to reduce the tower's height by at least 10 metres, citing flight safety concerns. Built in 1917, the clock tower stands prominently amidst the greenery of the Old Secretariat complex, which houses offices of ministers and senior bureaucrats. However, its location near the airport makes it a hazard in the flight approach funnel, officials said. "As the clock tower is in close proximity to the airport, because of its height, the entire stretch of the runway cannot be utilised both during take-off as well as during landing. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play Chess on Your PC, Free Play Classic Chess Install Now Undo The runway itself is shorter than the required length and even that cannot be tapped to the full length," said a source. A decade ago, an audit by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) also flagged the structure as an obstacle and recommended a reduction in its height. Despite repeated alerts over the years, no action has been taken to date. The issue was also discussed in the Rajya Sabha during the recent Budget session, where Union civil aviation minister K Rammohan Naidu acknowledged the limitations of Patna airport. He pointed out that its 2,000-metre runway was too short for full-fledged operations by narrow or wide-body aircraft, affecting the airport's ability to handle international flights, despite its designation as an international facility. Besides the clock tower, other challenges affecting the airport include illegal encroachments in Kaushal Nagar and tall trees in the nearby Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, popularly known as Patna zoo. Asked whether buildings in the surrounding areas posed any additional risks, an airport official said, "As of now, no such case has come to us. Any structure coming within 20km has to take NOC from us. A timely survey is also done in this regard and if any violation is found, local administration is informed." Patna divisional commissioner Chandrashekhar Singh, who also chairs the Airport Environment Management Committee, said a meeting has been scheduled for Monday to review safety concerns related to the airport. "Airport officials will be in the meeting and different problems will be taken and addressed by them," he said. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
A glimpse of changing Bihar, flyers feel as new terminal at Patna airport begins operations
Patna: Passengers travelling to and from Bengaluru were the first to use the state-of-the-art new terminal building of Jayprakash Narayan International Airport in Patna, which began its operations on Tuesday after its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 29. Among the passengers on Day 1 was Union minister Giriraj Singh who said, "I got the opportunity to fly as the first passenger from the newly built terminal of the Patna airport. This was not just a journey but a glimpse of the changing Bihar, which is modern, and full of convenience and confidence," he said. Also among the Day-1 passengers was BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal. "I am among the fortunate flyers travelling from the new terminal on its first day of operation. When I used to see airports in other states and compared them to Patna airport, I felt we were lagging behind. However, with the blessings of the PM, not only has Patna airport has become world-class, the foundation for a second airport has also been laid, making Patna the third city in the country to have two airports," he said. Talking to the reporters outside the terminal building, the MP added he was extremely grateful to the Airports Authority of India and its architects for the beautiful design. "We always felt there should be more flights from here, and now 75 flights will operate, providing customers with cheaper ticket rates," he said. Many people inside the terminal were seen taking photos and selfies with beautiful murals and Mithila paintings like that of Chhath festivities, Chanakya, Lord Buddha, Mahavira and the cradle of civilisation. A cultural programme was held in the morning at the entry gate, soon after it was opened for the flyers. A grand welcome was given to the passengers at the entrance gate of the new terminal with application of sandalwood tilak on their foreheads and by sprinkling rose water. Airport director Krishna Mohan Nehra said the flyers were happy with the grand welcome, which was followed by the cultural event. The first flight between Bengaluru and Patna landed here at 7.14am with around 170 passengers. The flight 6E-5127 departed at 8.09am for Bengaluru. The airport is now operating 98 flights, including 49 arrivals and 49 departures, a day. Special security arrangements have been made at the Patna airport, keeping in mind the safety of passengers. "About 20 jawans of Patna police have been deployed at the entry and exit gates for the next 10 days," Patna senior superintendent of police (SSP) Avakash Kumar said. Apart from this, 20 additional traffic police personnel are also being deployed. The airport police station in charge has been ordered to regularly patrol the entire area. A flyer, Alok, however, noted some disorganisation and significant crowding at security checks on the terminal's opening day, suggesting teething issues as the operations began. Another flyer, Gaurav Mehta, who was travelling to Mumbai, said there was a minor glitch, as the airlines seemed confused with the new set-up. "DigiYatra (contactless travel gate) was not functioning till afternoon, which caused minor chaos at the security gate. Overall, the experience is good, and I believe things will settle with time," he said. "The new terminal is much bigger, and there is a lot of space in the security hold area. The interior design of the building looks beautiful," Priyanka Kashyap, another traveller flying to Delhi, said. The new building features five aerobridges (of which one is operational initially), 64 check-in counters, five conveyor belts, 13 boarding gates, eight inline XBIS machines, seven hand baggage scanning machines in the security hold area with ATRS and a multi-level car parking for 1,100 vehicles among other facilities. It has the capacity to accommodate one crore passengers annually and 3,000 at peak time. Patna: Passengers travelling to and from Bengaluru were the first to use the state-of-the-art new terminal building of Jayprakash Narayan International Airport in Patna, which began its operations on Tuesday after its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 29. Among the passengers on Day 1 was Union minister Giriraj Singh who said, "I got the opportunity to fly as the first passenger from the newly built terminal of the Patna airport. This was not just a journey but a glimpse of the changing Bihar, which is modern, and full of convenience and confidence," he said. Also among the Day-1 passengers was BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal. "I am among the fortunate flyers travelling from the new terminal on its first day of operation. When I used to see airports in other states and compared them to Patna airport, I felt we were lagging behind. However, with the blessings of the PM, not only has Patna airport has become world-class, the foundation for a second airport has also been laid, making Patna the third city in the country to have two airports," he said. Talking to the reporters outside the terminal building, the MP added he was extremely grateful to the Airports Authority of India and its architects for the beautiful design. "We always felt there should be more flights from here, and now 75 flights will operate, providing customers with cheaper ticket rates," he said. Many people inside the terminal were seen taking photos and selfies with beautiful murals and Mithila paintings like that of Chhath festivities, Chanakya, Lord Buddha, Mahavira and the cradle of civilisation. A cultural programme was held in the morning at the entry gate, soon after it was opened for the flyers. A grand welcome was given to the passengers at the entrance gate of the new terminal with application of sandalwood tilak on their foreheads and by sprinkling rose water. Airport director Krishna Mohan Nehra said the flyers were happy with the grand welcome, which was followed by the cultural event. The first flight between Bengaluru and Patna landed here at 7.14am with around 170 passengers. The flight 6E-5127 departed at 8.09am for Bengaluru. The airport is now operating 98 flights, including 49 arrivals and 49 departures, a day. Special security arrangements have been made at the Patna airport, keeping in mind the safety of passengers. "About 20 jawans of Patna police have been deployed at the entry and exit gates for the next 10 days," Patna senior superintendent of police (SSP) Avakash Kumar said. Apart from this, 20 additional traffic police personnel are also being deployed. The airport police station in charge has been ordered to regularly patrol the entire area. A flyer, Alok, however, noted some disorganisation and significant crowding at security checks on the terminal's opening day, suggesting teething issues as the operations began. Another flyer, Gaurav Mehta, who was travelling to Mumbai, said there was a minor glitch, as the airlines seemed confused with the new set-up. "DigiYatra (contactless travel gate) was not functioning till afternoon, which caused minor chaos at the security gate. Overall, the experience is good, and I believe things will settle with time," he said. "The new terminal is much bigger, and there is a lot of space in the security hold area. The interior design of the building looks beautiful," Priyanka Kashyap, another traveller flying to Delhi, said. The new building features five aerobridges (of which one is operational initially), 64 check-in counters, five conveyor belts, 13 boarding gates, eight inline XBIS machines, seven hand baggage scanning machines in the security hold area with ATRS and a multi-level car parking for 1,100 vehicles among other facilities. It has the capacity to accommodate one crore passengers annually and 3,000 at peak time.
