The Lal Bahadur Shastri International (LBSI) Airport here has become the first in India to have a reading lounge. Apart from books on Kashi, the lounge`s library has a collection of literature and books in many international languages besides books of youth authors published under Prime Minister Yuva Yojana. The airport in Varanasi is the first in the country to feature a free reading lounge. The lounge was built with the support of the National Book Trust (NBT), an Indian publishing house and independent entity under the Union government's ministry of education.
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The Airport Reading Lounge is a mirror of Kashi for both traditionalists and modern visitors and travellers, as well as those who want to learn more about the mystical heritage of this ancient city. Apart from India`s culture, history, traditional knowledge systems, health and wellness, literature in Hindi, French, Spanish, English and many other Indian languages, the reading lounge also celebrates literary icons of Varanasi through their works, iconic places and unknown facts and connections with the city.
About the Lal Bahadur Shastri International (LBSI) Airport
• Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport (LBSI Airport) was founded in the early 1950s. Initially named as Varanasi Airport, it served as a domestic airport connecting Varanasi to major Indian cities.
• In 2005, the airport underwent a significant transformation and expansion project. The terminal building was modernized and expanded to handle increased passenger traffic. The airport was also equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities to enhance the overall travel experience.
• In 2006, the airport was renamed Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in honour of India's former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri. Shastri, a Varanasi native, was a crucial figure in India's freedom war and served as Prime Minister from 1964 to 1966.
• Since the airport’s expansion, there has been a steady growth in passenger traffic, both domestic and international. Airlines flying from Lal Bahadur Shastri foreign Airport serve local destinations like as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru, as well as foreign destinations such as Bangkok, Kathmandu, and Dubai.
• The airport continues to undergo further development and upgrades to cater to the increasing number of passengers and meet international standards. It serves as a vital transportation hub for the region, contributing to the economic growth and tourism of Varanasi and its surrounding areas.
