In a significant step towards enhancing passenger experience and promoting inclusive airport infrastructure, a series of passenger-centric and culturally significant facilities at Birsa Munda Airport, Ranchi were formally inaugurated today by Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, in the august presence of Shri Sanjay Seth, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Defence.
The newly inaugurated facilities include the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Feature Wall with Statue, UDAN Yatri Café, AVSAR Counter, Kids Zone and Flybrary. The Bhagwan Birsa Munda Feature Wall with Statue has been developed as a tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda.
The installation reflects Jharkhand’s rich cultural heritage and historical legacy while offering passengers an immersive and visually engaging experience upon arrival. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu stated, “Today’s unveiling of the statue of Dharti Aaba Bhagwan Birsa Munda is an occasion to honour the confluence of tribal pride and modern development.
I firmly believe that our airports should not merely serve as centres of travel, but should reflect the identity, heritage and spirit of the states they represent. Every passenger arriving at Ranchi Airport will now be welcomed by the inspiring legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda Ji and introduced to the soul of Jharkhand.”
Highlighting aviation growth in Jharkhand, the Minister added, “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India’s civil aviation sector has witnessed transformative growth, with the number of airports increasing from 74 in 2014 to 165 today.
In Jharkhand too, this progress has been remarkable. Annual air passenger traffic has grown more than fivefold since 2014, aircraft movements have increased over three times, and air cargo has also recorded nearly threefold growth.”
Talking about future expansion of aviation infrastructure in the state, the Minister said, “Through Modified UDAN, 100 new airports and 200 heliports will be developed across the country, immensely benefiting tribal regions and aspirational districts.
RCS operations have already commenced at Jamshedpur Airport and airports at Dumka, Hazaribagh, Daltonganj, Dhalbhumgarh and Chaibasa are planned to be developed under the UDAN scheme.” Highlighting Ranchi Airport’s growing passenger traffic, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu noted that annual passenger numbers have increased from 17 lakh to over 27 lakh in the last five years.
Keeping future demand in view, a comprehensive plan has been prepared for the reconfiguration and expansion of the terminal building. Under the proposal, the Domestic Security Hold Area will be expanded to 6,480 sqm, increasing peak-hour passenger handling capacity to 2,160 passengers.
The Minister further stated that plans are also underway for the development of a Parallel Taxi Track, Rapid Exit Taxiway and two additional aircraft parking aprons to improve runway efficiency and operational capacity. “We are committed to connecting Ranchi with global destinations and creating new economic opportunities for Jharkhand,” the Minister said.
Sharing his ‘Ease of Flying’ vision around inauguration of passenger-centric facilities, the Minister added that the UDAN Yatri Café will provide affordable food and beverages to passengers, making airports more inclusive, while the Flybrary initiative seeks to promote reading culture and create more meaningful travel experiences.
Promoting Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Vocal for Local’, the AVSAR outlet (Airports as Venues for Skilled Artisans of the Region) has also been launched at Ranchi Airport to provide a platform for local and tribal artisans of Jharkhand to showcase traditional art forms such as Sohrai paintings, which are witnessing growing global demand.
“The objective of the Modi Government is not merely to build airports, but to make air travel more accessible, affordable and people-centric,” the Minister said. A specially designed Kids Zone has also been established within the airport premises to offer a safe and engaging recreational space for children, making airport journeys more comfortable and enjoyable for families travelling through Ranchi.
The Airports Authority of India continues to transform airports into integrated travel hubs that combine operational excellence with passenger comfort, accessibility and regional identity.