Bihar Government to Develop 15 Airports Under 2025-26 Budget Plan
The Bihar government has announced plans to develop 15 airports across the state to enhance air connectivity. This expansion, a significant increase from the existing three operational airports, is expected to be undertaken at an estimated cost of ₹11,500 lakh. The announcement was made during the presentation of the state budget in the assembly.
Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Samrat Choudhary stated that three airports would be developed at Rajgir in Nalanda district, Sultanganj in Bhagalpur, and Raxaul in Forbesganj. Additionally, seven smaller airports are planned in Bhagalpur, Valmikinagar (West Champaran), Birpur (Supaul), Madhubani, Munger, Saharsa, and Muzaffarpur. These projects will be implemented under the central government’s UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to improve regional connectivity and increase the number of operational airstrips for scheduled civilian flights.
Expansion of Existing and New Airports
The government is also working on the development of Purnia airport, which is currently a defence airbase. According to Choudhary, commercial flights from Purnia are expected to begin within the next three months following the completion of a makeshift terminal building.
In addition to the proposed new airports, the Bihar government has put forward a plan for a greenfield international airport near Patna. This initiative is aimed at accommodating long-term growth in the civil aviation sector over the next 50 to 70 years. Bihar Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena has written to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, requesting consideration of the proposal and a feasibility survey to determine a suitable location for the new airport. Meena assured that the state government would provide full support, including land acquisition, for the project.
Union Government’s Support and Additional Developments
The central government on February 1, granted in-principle approval for three greenfield airports in Bihar. These will be developed at Rajgir, Bhagalpur, and Sonepur in Saran district. These projects will be in addition to the three existing operational airports in Patna, Gaya, and Darbhanga.
The government is also focusing on enhancing the capacity of Bihta airport, a defence facility near Patna. Commercial flight operations from Bihta are expected to commence by 2027. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) recently awarded a contract to a Russian company for the construction of Bihta airport. The Bihar government has already provided 108 acres of land for the development of the terminal building.
Significance of Airport Development
The expansion of airports across Bihar is expected to improve connectivity, support economic activities, and attract investment. Air travel infrastructure is likely to benefit multiple sectors, including tourism, trade, and local businesses.
Bihar’s efforts to enhance air connectivity are in line with national initiatives to strengthen regional transport infrastructure. The UDAN scheme aims to make air travel more accessible, allowing smaller cities and towns to be better connected. The development of additional airports is expected to facilitate more economic opportunities and improve accessibility for residents in different regions of the state.
The proposed greenfield international airport near Patna is a long-term infrastructure initiative aimed at handling increasing passenger and cargo traffic. With a planning horizon of 50 to 70 years, this airport is intended to serve as a major hub for aviation growth in the region.
The impact of these developments on Bihar’s economic landscape will become clearer as the projects progress. Improved air connectivity has the potential to enhance mobility, boost commerce, and create new business opportunities. The coming years will determine how effectively these initiatives contribute to the state’s broader development goals.
