Bhubaneswar: The Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) is all set to get a major infra boost as additional food courts and enlarged security-hold area are scheduled to commence by January end.
The enlarged security-hold area is reported to increase seating capacity for more than 200 passengers. Along with this, the project will also develop a food court much to relief of passengers who have been complaining of lesser dining options as compared to other international airports.
Detailing about the project, BPIA director Suresh Kumar Hota said, “We have integrated the erstwhile area of Dakota restaurant into an extended security-hold area and a food court. Almost all the work has been done and we are only waiting for approval of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).”
“The passengers will have better dining options with food outlets as KFC, Punjab Grill, Dominos and a hard-drink bar. The plan also includes addition of two retail stores in Biba and FBB. The outlets are only left with regulatory check and will commence soon,” he added.
With this initiative the number of total outlets at the airport would rise to 15 as compared to just three earlier. This, according to Hota “has generated employment opportunities for around 300 people.”
Aimed at improving BPIA’s public image and competing with other national airports the project is expected to placate passengers who were discontent with lesser meal options.
Deb Parida, a frequent flyer, said, “It’s certainly a good idea. I have earlier gave a rating of only 3 stars in Google review for this airport as I always found no good food outlets or bar. Hopefully this may change as this airport has state-of-the-art facility sans dining varieties.”
