At present, vehicles approaching the new terminal have access to only a single lane. While the airport provides a five-minute free parking window for pickups and drop-offs, heavy traffic during flight arrivals and departures often makes it difficult for drivers to enter and exit within the stipulated time. As a result, congestion builds up, leading to delays and inconvenience for passengers and attendants alike.

To address the issue, airport authorities have decided to add three new lanes adjacent to the existing one, taking the total number of lanes to four. Officials said the expansion would significantly improve traffic flow and allow smoother entry and exit for private vehicles, taxis, and app-based cab services.

According to airport officials, the situation worsens during VIP movements, when traffic is temporarily halted for security reasons. Under the new arrangement, one of the four lanes will be reserved exclusively for VIP convoys. This segregation is expected to prevent routine traffic from coming to a standstill whenever high-profile arrivals or departures take place.

“The additional lanes will help manage peak-hour traffic more efficiently and reduce waiting time for passengers,” an airport official said. The project is part of a broader effort to improve landside infrastructure as passenger footfall at the Raipur airport continues to rise.

Meanwhile, security measures at the airport have been intensified ahead of Republic Day. Authorities have announced that visitor entry to the airport premises will remain suspended until January 30. Only passengers holding valid flight tickets are being allowed inside the terminal as part of the nationwide high-alert protocol.

Flight operations have also been affected during this period. Air India’s morning Delhi–Raipur flight has been cancelled until January 26 due to airspace restrictions over the national capital related to Republic Day rehearsals and celebrations. Passengers have been advised to check flight schedules in advance and coordinate with airlines for updates, rebooking, or refunds.

Airport officials said normal operations are expected to resume gradually after January 26, once security restrictions are eased. With the addition of new lanes outside the terminal, authorities believe the airport will be better equipped to handle growing traffic volumes and offer a smoother experience to travelers in the coming months.