The arrivals forecourt at the domestic terminal of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has been expanded with the addition of three new traffic lanes, increasing the total number of lanes to nine to ease congestion during passenger pick-ups at Terminal 1 (T1).
The reconfigured T1 arrivals area is designed to improve vehicle movement and reduce traffic bottlenecks. Of the newly added lanes, one is located within the parking circulation zone, while the other two are intended to streamline the flow of taxis and private vehicles. A dedicated cab lane has also been introduced to minimise criss-cross traffic during peak hours.
Approximately 14,000 vehicles move in and out of the airport every day, with nearly 60% of the traffic concentrated at the domestic terminal. The earlier six-lane arrangement often resulted in long queues extending onto the approach road, particularly during busy travel periods. Airport authorities expect the additional lanes to reduce waiting times and ensure smoother passenger pick-up operations.