File Image (Source : Patrika)

Varanasi's Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, located at Babatpur, is being developed into a major export centre for agricultural and perishable goods, with authorities approving construction of a modern 20-tonne capacity Centre for Perishable Cargo. Once operational, the facility is expected to benefit farmers across several districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

The airport currently operates a cargo unit with a five-tonne capacity, used to transport fruit, vegetables and other goods. Given rising demand and growing export potential, work is already under way to expand this capacity. The existing cargo centre is being enlarged to handle up to ten tonnes, with that upgrade expected to be finished this month. Cargo in-charge Abhishek Singh said the design for the larger 20-tonne perishable cargo centre has already been finalised, with site selection currently in progress.

Preparations under way since March

According to the in-charge, once a site has been chosen, the tendering process will move forward. Feedback has also been sought from stakeholders so the facility can be developed according to future requirements. Planning for the project has been ongoing since March 2026. Such dedicated cargo facilities currently exist at only a handful of airports across India, and Varanasi is set to join that list. Airport director Puneet Gupta said continuous efforts are being made to develop Varanasi airport as a regional cargo hub, adding that the new facility would help farmers and exporters from the wider region reach both domestic and international markets more quickly.

The airport already runs an integrated cargo terminal spread across 8,800 square metres, comprising 4,102 square metres of built space and 4,698 square metres of open area. In 2022, AAI Cargo Logistics and Allied Services Company Limited was granted regulated agent status at Varanasi, and operations at the air cargo terminal began in January 2023.

Gulf-bound produce from the region

Once the new centre becomes operational, processes such as grading, packaging, quality testing, temperature control, storage and export documentation for agricultural produce will be able to take place entirely within the airport premises. Modern cold storage and cargo-handling systems are expected to help preserve product quality for longer and ease access to international markets.

Eastern Uttar Pradesh, known locally as Purvanchal, is recognised nationally for its mangoes, vegetables, flowers and dairy produce. At present, goods including the region's famous Banarasi Langda mangoes, green chillies and various vegetables are exported from Varanasi airport to Gulf countries. However, limited capacity has often forced farmers and exporters to rely on cargo centres elsewhere. Once the new facility is up and running, agricultural exports will be able to be routed directly from Varanasi itself.