In a significant announcement during the Bihar budget speech on Tuesday, Finance Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav outlined ambitious plans to develop a comprehensive network of airports across the state. The minister revealed that Bihar is set to have 19 fully operational airports in the near future, marking a transformative step in enhancing regional connectivity and economic growth.
Major Airport Developments and Funding Allocations
The proposed airport network will include relatively larger facilities at Darbhanga and Purnia, along with the under-construction greenfield airport at Sultanganj in Bhagalpur district. This strategic expansion aims to boost air transportation infrastructure throughout Bihar, particularly benefiting agricultural regions.
Darbhanga Airport Transformation
Work has already commenced to develop Darbhanga airport into a fully operational facility. The government has released Rs 244 crore for the acquisition of 89.75 acres of land needed for constructing an extended runway and a civil enclave. Additionally, Rs 5 crore has been allocated to the Darbhanga district magistrate for acquiring additional land for these purposes.
Beyond basic airport infrastructure, plans include constructing a logistics park and cargo hub near Darbhanga airport. This development is expected to significantly enhance air transportation of agricultural products from the Mithila region and north Bihar, potentially revolutionizing the region's agricultural supply chain.
Purnia Military Airport Expansion
For the Purnia military airport, which became operational for civil aviation in September last year, the government has paid a revised amount of Rs 22 crore for acquiring an additional 15 acres of land. This funding will support the construction of infrastructure for the civil enclave, further expanding the airport's civilian aviation capabilities.
Sultanganj Greenfield Airport Progress
Regarding the proposed greenfield airport at Sultanganj in Bhagalpur district, the finance minister announced that the government has initiated the process for releasing Rs 472 crore for acquiring 931 acres of land. This substantial investment underscores the state's commitment to developing new aviation infrastructure from the ground up.
Additional Airport Projects Across Bihar
The budget speech detailed several other airport development initiatives across the state:
- Rs 10 crore has been released to the Patna district magistrate for constructing a civil enclave at Bihta airport
- Rs 207 crore has been paid to the East Champaran district land acquisition officer for acquiring 139 acres of land for Raxaul airport construction
- Rs 42 crore has been released for acquiring 88.83 acres of land for Supaul airport development
- Rs 147 crore has been allocated for acquiring 12 acres of land needed for extending the runway at Saharsa airport
- Rs 138 crore has been paid for acquiring 50 acres of land for constructing a logistics park and cargo hub
Pre-Feasibility Studies for Future Airports
The government has also allocated funds for preliminary studies of potential airport sites:
- Rs 2 crore paid to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for pre-feasibility studies at Madhubani, Birpur, Munger, Valmikinagar, Bhagalpur, and Saharsa
- Rs 1 crore released for pre-feasibility studies for Chapra and Motihari airports
- Rs 81 lakh allocated to AAI for pre-feasibility studies of Ulao airport in Begusarai and Sabeya military airport in Gopalganj district
Sonepur Greenfield Airport Project
In a major development, administrative sanction has been granted for Rs 1,302 crore required to acquire 4,228 acres of identified land for constructing the proposed greenfield Sonepur airport in Saran district. This represents one of the largest land acquisition initiatives for airport development in the state.
The comprehensive airport development plan outlined in the Bihar budget reflects the state government's commitment to enhancing regional connectivity, boosting economic activity, and improving transportation infrastructure across both urban and rural areas of Bihar.
