Patna Airport Runway Expansion: Committee Formed to Assess Feasibility
Patna Saheb MP and former Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad announced on Monday that a dedicated committee has been constituted to examine the feasibility of expanding the runway at Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna. Chairing a meeting of the Airport Advisory Committee (AAC), Prasad emphasized the critical need for this infrastructure upgrade to accommodate growing passenger traffic and enhance regional connectivity.
Urgent Assessment and Land Evaluation
The newly formed panel is tasked with assessing land offered on both sides of the airport—towards the western side near the railway line and on the eastern side near Patna Zoo. Prasad stressed that the committee will submit its report at the earliest, highlighting the urgency of the project. He noted that the airport currently handles approximately 40 lakh passengers annually, with 44 flights operating every day, underscoring the pressing demand for expansion to support future growth and improve operational efficiency.
Government Cooperation and Financial Incentives
Prasad confirmed that both the Central government and the Bihar government are extending full cooperation for the proposed expansion. He revealed that he had held discussions with Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who assured complete support from the state government. Additionally, Prasad stated that the Bihar government is willing to offer financial incentives and rebates to airlines to encourage the launch of international flights from Patna to key destinations such as Kathmandu, Bangkok, and Dubai. This initiative aims to spare passengers the inconvenience of traveling to major hubs like Delhi, Kolkata, or Mumbai for international travel, thereby boosting local tourism and economic activity.
Time-Bound Execution and Passenger Experience
Emphasizing the need for time-bound execution, Prasad insisted that the runway expansion must be completed expeditiously and within defined timelines to avoid delays. He also appreciated ongoing initiatives at the airport, including the promotion of local cultural products through retail outlets and the UDAN Yatri Café, expressing hope that such efforts would be further strengthened to support local artisans and enhance the passenger experience.
Stakeholder Coordination and Meeting Outcomes
The AAC chairman underscored the importance of coordinated efforts among all stakeholders to improve passenger experience, enhance safety, and further strengthen airport infrastructure and services. Discussions during the meeting covered a wide range of issues, including passenger amenities, runway safety, transport connectivity, and concerns in areas surrounding the airport. The meeting was attended by key officials and representatives, including Digha MLA Sanjeev Chaurasia, Patna DM Thiyagarajan S M, Patna Municipal Corporation commissioner Yashpal Meena, airport director Chandra Pratap Dwivedi, as well as representatives from airlines, CISF, Airports Authority of India, senior police officers, and nominees from the trade, hotel, and tourism sectors.
