JD(U) Leader Urges International Status for Darbhanga Airport in Rajya Sabha
In a significant development, JD(U) working president and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Kumar Jha has made a strong demand in the Upper House to grant international status to Darbhanga airport. The parliamentarian emphasized that this airport has emerged as the most successful aviation facility in Bihar under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme, handling an impressive volume of approximately 3 million passengers over the past five years.
Government Proposals and Coordination Efforts
Jha specifically urged the central government to coordinate with all relevant ministries and expedite the process of declaring Darbhanga airport as an international facility. While raising this crucial issue in the House, he revealed that the Bihar state government had already submitted detailed proposals to the Union civil aviation ministry on two separate occasions—September 18, 2024, and December 26, 2025.
These proposals specifically requested the extension of the Darbhanga airport runway to accommodate wide-body aircraft and the resumption of international flight operations. The MP highlighted that since Darbhanga airport currently remains under the control of the Indian Army, any expansion initiative requires careful coordination with the central government authorities.
Infrastructure Requirements and Progress
On October 18, 2024, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) officially stated the necessity for acquiring 90 acres of additional land to expand the Darbhanga airport runway to 12,000 feet, which aligns with international aviation standards. Jha provided a detailed timeline of subsequent developments:
- The Bihar government formally requested a no-objection certificate from the Ministry of Defence on November 13, 2024.
- The Ministry of Defence granted in-principle approval on December 9, 2024.
- The Bihar cabinet subsequently allocated Rs 245 crore on January 10, 2025, specifically for acquiring the additional land required.
- This substantial amount has already been disbursed to the Darbhanga district administration, with land acquisition currently in its final stages.
Regional Economic Impact and Benefits
Sanjay Kumar Jha emphasized that Darbhanga airport serves as a vital aviation hub for the people of Mithila, North Bihar, and neighboring Nepal. Its transformation into an international airport would generate substantial benefits for the entire region, particularly in terms of economic development and connectivity.
The parliamentarian specifically highlighted how international connectivity would enable the transportation of makhana (foxnut)—a specialty agricultural product grown extensively in this region—across the country and globally through enhanced cargo services. This would create new export opportunities and boost local agricultural economies.
Future Development Plans
In a related development, the Bihar state government has announced ambitious plans to construct a comprehensive logistics park and cargo hub in close proximity to Darbhanga airport. This strategic infrastructure project is designed to facilitate efficient air cargo transportation of various agricultural products originating from Mithila and North Bihar, further strengthening the region's economic potential through improved supply chain capabilities.
The demand for international status represents a crucial step toward transforming Darbhanga airport into a major aviation gateway that could significantly enhance regional connectivity, promote economic growth, and position Bihar more prominently on the international aviation map.
