Flight terminal infrastructure requires rapid, durable, and energy-efficient structure systems.

Sanjay Singhania

Managing Director, EPACK Prefab

What are the latest infrastructure developments happening in the airports sector?

The airport sector in India is experiencing a paradigm shift, with significant infrastructure developments aimed at increasing last-mile air connectivity. Over the past decade, 75 new airports have been built, increasing the total number to 148. The government plans to raise this number to 200 in the next four years. Recently, 15 new airport projects were inaugurated, including new terminal buildings at 12 airports.

India’s regional air connectivity scheme, UDAN, is also being boosted with an allocation of Rs 502 crore in the FY25 budget. These funds are allocated for the revival of 22 airports, initiating 124 air routes, and providing viability gap funding to enhance connectivity in the northeast. Additionally, the budget included provisions to revive 50 more airports, further supporting the expansion of the aviation sector and ensuring last-mile connectivity across the country.

How does PEB play a major role in airport infrastructure development?

Pre-engineered buildings (PEBs) play a crucial role in airport infrastructure development, especially given the government’s ambitious plans and stricter deadlines for air connectivity. As flying becomes more economical, flight terminal infrastructure requires rapid, durable, and energy-efficient structure systems, which can supply a smooth and hassle-free travelling experience to tourists. PEBs enhance the speed and efficiency of construction by having components manufactured off-site and quickly assembled on-site, reducing overall construction time. This quick construction leads to lower project expenses. Additionally, the sustainable benefits of PEBs, such as reduced waste and improved energy efficiency, align with the government’s net-zero goals, making them a viable solution for rapid infrastructure growth.

What are the key contributions of the company to the country’s airport infrastructure developments?

EPACK has actually been privileged to construct the Pre-Engineered Terminal Building at Hindon, Ghaziabad, in 2019. With prefabrication, structures can be created quickly. The airport terminal at Hindon was finished in a record period of 4 months.

We were the turnkey PEB solution providers for the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for both Phase-I and Phase-II of the Darbhanga Airport.

Another one of the noteworthy airport projects we have undertaken is located in Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh, which was also developed as a part of the UDAN scheme. The airport structure is a blend of PEB (Pre-Engineered Building) and LGSF (Light Gauge Steel Frame), and the wall panels were reinforced with light gauge steel frames to ensure additional strength. Furthermore, the roofing was constructed using a standing seam structure. The airport construction was successfully completed in a span of three months. Currently, we are working on Sarsawa Airport of Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh which is built under the UDAN scheme.

Apart from the terminal construction of airports, we also made office buildings and office cabins, aircraft hangar and banquet hall for AAI.