Defence Ministry Clears Land for Prayagraj Airport Expansion.

The long-awaited expansion of the Prayagraj Airport's civil enclave has received a major boost after the Ministry of Defence granted permission to use nearly 11 acres of land under the Air Force. This crucial clearance paves the way for the construction of a new cargo warehouse, which is expected to significantly enhance trade and logistics in the region.

The land has been allocated under the Equal Value Land (EVL) system, meaning the Uttar Pradesh state government will provide land of equivalent value, estimated at ₹63.94 crore, to the defence ministry in exchange. As per the conditions of the agreement, the land must be used exclusively for airport expansion purposes, and all environmental norms, including tree felling and other mandatory clearances, must be strictly followed.

Officials believe this expansion will not only improve passenger services but also establish Prayagraj as a key hub for cargo connectivity. This development is expected to support the local economy and create new business opportunities. The business community in Prayagraj has long advocated for a dedicated cargo facility at the airport.

With the new cargo terminal, local agricultural products, such as the famous GI-tagged Lal Surkha guava from Prayagraj and Kaushambi, will gain access to new markets across India and internationally. Similarly, vegetable growers in rural areas like Bahadurpur and Soraon will be able to directly export their produce to major cities like Mumbai, from where it can be further shipped to markets in the Middle East and Europe.