MBB Airport Agartala is advancing toward zero carbon emissions through expanded solar energy projects and renewable power procurement. Airport Director KM Nehra announced plans for a major solar plant, enhanced passenger facilities, international flight readiness, and 24-hour operations, reflecting significant growth in connectivity, sustainability, and infrastructure.
Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport in Agartala is taking significant steps toward achieving zero carbon emissions by expanding its use of solar energy and increasing its reliance on renewable power sources. Airport Director KM Nehra announced the development on Saturday while addressing a press conference ahead of the observance of Yatri Subidha Diwas on June 15.
The airport’s sustainability drive is part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing its environmental footprint while simultaneously improving passenger services, enhancing operational efficiency, and increasing capacity to meet growing air traffic demands.
Speaking about the airport’s green initiatives, Nehra said that a 250-kilowatt rooftop solar power plant installed in 2019 has already generated approximately 2.2 lakh units of electricity. In addition, a newly commissioned 60-kilowatt solar facility established in 2026 has produced around 76,000 units of power.
To further strengthen renewable energy generation, the airport is planning to install a 1,600-kilowatt ground-mounted solar power plant in 2027. According to the airport director, the process for setting up the new facility is already underway.
Once operational, the proposed solar power plant is expected to generate nearly 21 lakh units of electricity annually. The project is also projected to reduce the airport’s electricity expenditure by approximately Rs 2 crore every year, making it both an environmentally and economically beneficial initiative.
Nehra further informed that MBB Airport has been procuring green energy since 2025 and has completely stopped purchasing electricity generated from coal-based and diesel-powered sources. This transition marks a major milestone in the airport’s efforts to move toward sustainable and environmentally responsible operations.
Apart from sustainability measures, the airport has also achieved full readiness for round-the-clock flight operations. Nehra stated that facilities required for night landings are already available and that the airport can accommodate aircraft parking during nighttime hours if airlines decide to introduce such services.
He also emphasized that MBB Airport is fully equipped to handle international flight operations. The airport has separate arrival and departure areas, immigration counters, customs facilities, and all necessary infrastructure required to support international air services.
Highlighting the remarkable growth witnessed over the past decade, Nehra said that in 2014, scheduled flights from Agartala were primarily limited to Kolkata and Guwahati. Today, the airport connects Tripura’s capital with several major cities across India, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Imphal, Kolkata, and Guwahati.
The expansion of air connectivity has contributed significantly to increased passenger traffic. According to airport statistics, annual passenger movement has risen from around eight lakh passengers in 2014-15 to nearly 15 lakh passengers during 2025-26.
Similarly, aircraft movements have increased substantially, rising from approximately 6,500 annually to around 11,000 over the same period. Cargo handling has also witnessed significant growth, increasing from nearly 2,000 metric tonnes to about 6,000 metric tonnes.
Nehra noted that the new integrated terminal building, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022, has greatly enhanced the airport’s capacity. The modern terminal is capable of handling up to 30 lakh passengers annually and supports future expansion plans.
In addition, the airport has cargo storage facilities with a capacity of 40,000 metric tonnes, positioning it as an important logistics hub for the region.
The airport administration has also introduced a series of passenger-friendly initiatives aimed at improving travel convenience and customer experience. Digi Yatra has been implemented to facilitate paperless and seamless travel. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi services, self-check-in kiosks, childcare rooms, sanitary napkin vending machines, prayer rooms, and electric vehicle charging stations.
To streamline passenger movement, the airport currently operates 20 check-in counters and four aerobridges. Nearly all passenger boarding activities are conducted through aerobridges, ensuring greater comfort and convenience.
Special assistance counters under the “May I Help You” initiative have been established to support first-time travelers. The airport is also working to ensure baggage delivery within seven to eight minutes after aircraft arrival, significantly reducing waiting times for passengers.
Additional attractions include the Udaan Yatri Cafe, retail outlets featuring products made by self-help groups, a children’s play area, and the innovative “Flybrary” concept, which allows passengers to borrow books and return them at destination airports.
As part of the Yatri Subidha Diwas celebrations on June 15, the airport will organize a series of community-oriented activities, including a health camp for drivers and workers, a blood donation camp, sit-and-draw competitions for passengers, and cultural performances at both arrival and departure terminals.
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With its ambitious renewable energy plans, modern infrastructure, expanding connectivity, and focus on passenger convenience, MBB Airport Agartala is steadily emerging as one of the leading regional airports in Northeast India while advancing toward its long-term goal of achieving zero carbon emissions.
