AGARTALA, Nov 11 (TIWN): Airport Authority of India (AAI) has approved Rs 438 crore to develop Agartala Airport according to Director SD Barman Agartala Airport. In terms of passenger traffic, Agartala Airport is the second busiest airport in the entire Northeastern region after Guwahati’s Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.

AAI approved Rs 438 crore for modernization and up gradation of Agartala airport. A new terminal building, expansion of existing runway and setting up a hangar are included in the facelift plan. After execution of the proposed modernization project, the Agartala airport would be able to handle 1,000 passengers per hour.

The Agartala airport modernization project involves upgrading of the runway and aprons, construction of six aerobridges, three elevators and two escalators besides walkways to connect the international arrival and departure levels. The airports are being made international as part of India's "Look East" policy to boost the northeast region's connectivity and trade with Southeast Asia.