Kanchenjunga inspires Bagdogra terminal design
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Kolkata: The architecture of the new terminal under construction at Bagdogra airport in north Bengal is inspired by the Himalayas and pays homage to the Kanchenjunga. A sneak preview of the climate-resilient design of the terminal by CP Kukreja Architects revealed that the terminal facade would be in the shape of the Himalayan range, with Kanchenjunga at the centre.
"This project is more than infrastructure — it's a powerful demonstration of how architecture can respond to both context and climate," said Dikshu C Kukreja, managing principal, CP Kukreja Architects. "Our vision for Bagdogra airport combines performance with poetry, drawing from the Eastern Himalayan landscape and embedding sustainability at every level."
Its facade features vertical parametric aluminium fins and sloping pitched roofs, echoing the rhythm of Darjeeling's tea plantations and the silhouette of Kangchenjunga.
"This blend of form and function not only ensures climatic efficiency but also grounds the building in its cultural and geographic setting," the architect said.
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The terminal will have large spans and column-free interiors that offer openness and visibility, natural ventilation zones, and locally inspired interiors. "Accessibility and efficiency remain central, with a layout optimised for seamless passenger movement, check-ins, and boarding," Kukreja added.
Located at the foothills of the Himalayas, Bagdogra airport is a vital gateway to Darjeeling, Gangtok, and Kalimpong. The upcoming terminal, with a built-up area of over 12 lakh sqft, is being developed to handle 1,000 passengers per hour, enhancing regional connectivity and future capacity for domestic and international travellers.
Explaining the climate-resilient design of the terminal, Kukreja said with the airport positioned on flood-prone terrain, the project integrates a robust stormwater management system comprising culverts, retaining walls, and integrated drainage channels to ensure year-round operability.
"This makes it one of the few infrastructure projects in India proactively addressing environmental vulnerabilities from the outset," he said.
With sustainability at its core, the facility is being developed as a net-zero carbon terminal. It embraces passive design strategies, low-E energy-efficient glazing, and on-site renewable energy systems to reduce its carbon footprint. "Bagdogra will become one of India's pioneering regional airports demonstrating how ambitious infrastructure can align with India's climate goals and green building standards," Kukreja added.
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