Ahmedabad Airport Expands Arrivals Area with Three New Traffic Lanes
The domestic terminal at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad has undergone a significant expansion of its arrivals exit area, adding three new traffic movement lanes to combat persistent congestion issues. This enhancement brings the total number of lanes at Terminal 1 (T1) to nine, aiming to streamline vehicular flow during passenger pick-ups.
Addressing Peak Hour Congestion
Airport authorities reconfigured the T1 Arrivals forecourt to better manage the daily influx of vehicles. Of the three additional lanes, one was integrated within the parking circulation area, while two were specifically designated to improve the management of cabs and private vehicles. Notably, one lane is now exclusively dedicated to cabs, a move expected to reduce chaotic criss-cross movements and enhance kerbside discipline, especially during peak operational hours.
According to airport sources, the facility handles approximately 14,000 cars moving in and out daily across both domestic and international terminals. Nearly 60% of this traffic is concentrated at the domestic terminal, with the remaining 40% at the international terminal. The previous six-lane configuration struggled under this volume, particularly during holiday rushes and peak travel times, leading to frequent delays and chaotic conditions where vehicles often queued up and spilled onto approach roads.
Passenger Experiences and Feedback
Frequent flyers and local residents have long highlighted the challenges at the domestic arrivals area. Sneha Bagrecha, an entrepreneur and regular traveler, shared her perspective: "The arrivals area is usually chaotic. Even if a cab is within the airport campus, it can take 10 minutes to reach because of congestion. I hope the additional lanes ease the situation." The new lanes are designed to allow longer, more orderly queues, potentially preventing bottlenecks and reducing passenger wait times.
However, some passengers continue to raise concerns about other accessibility issues. Gauri Wagenaar, a visiting faculty member, pointed out: "Since cabs from the airport are often expensive, many passengers prefer autorickshaws. However, reaching the auto stand involves a long walk from the terminal exit, which can be inconvenient, especially with luggage." This feedback underscores broader challenges in airport transportation infrastructure beyond lane capacity.
Infrastructure Upgrades and Future Monitoring
These changes are part of ongoing infrastructure upgrades responding to rising passenger numbers and increased reliance on private cars and app-based taxis for airport transfers. Authorities plan to monitor traffic patterns in the coming weeks to assess the impact of the revised lane configuration and make further adjustments if necessary. The expansion reflects a proactive approach to managing growth and improving passenger experience at one of Gujarat's busiest aviation hubs.
