The Bihar state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Wednesday, approved the civil aviation department's proposal to select IndiGo Airlines for operating a biweekly international flight between Gaya and Bangkok, Thailand. The service is expected to commence shortly.
Flight Operations and Funding
Cabinet Secretariat Department Additional Chief Secretary Arvind Choudhary stated that the holding company of IndiGo Airlines, M/s InterGlobe Aviation Limited, was selected through a tendering process. Since IndiGo was the sole bidder, the selection was made on a nomination basis. The cabinet approved viability gap funding (VGF) of Rs10.40 crore for one year for the airline operator.
Arvind Choudhary explained that initially, passenger numbers might not reach the desirable level. Therefore, a viability gap fund of Rs5 lakh will be paid to the firm for each to-and-fro flight from Gaya to Bangkok and back, payable for a year. The cabinet approved the proposal anticipating an early launch of the service.
He emphasized that the long-term viability of the international flight is assured, as a large number of tourists from Thailand visit India annually to explore Buddhist sites, particularly in Bihar, such as Bodh Gaya. The move is expected to increase tourist footfall in the state, strengthen Bihar's presence on the international tourism map, and boost economic activity in sectors like hospitality, hotels, transport, and handicrafts.
Other Cabinet Decisions
Overall, the cabinet cleared 13 proposals during the meeting.
Water Supply for Gaya and Dobhi Industrial Enclave
In a major decision, the cabinet approved the release of Rs428 crore to the Water Resources Department (WRD) for supplying water to Gaya and the upcoming Dobhi industrial enclave under the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor (AKIC). Officials said the required water supply would be ensured through reservoirs constructed by the WRD. According to the master plan, the industrial area will initially require 8.5 million litres per day (MLD) of water, with an ultimate demand projected at 19 MLD. The annual water requirement is estimated at 8.5 million cubic metres (MCM).
For this purpose, 324 acres of land will be provided by the Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA) near Dobhi for constructing a reservoir with a storage capacity of 8.5 MCM. Water will be drawn for 40 days from the rain-fed Leelajan River to fill the reservoir and meet the projected demand of 19 MLD.
Health Sector Grants
The cabinet also approved the release of Rs747 crore from the state contingency fund for the health sector central grant for the 2026-27 financial year, based on the 15th Finance Commission's recommendation. The amount will be used to strengthen healthcare services at block-level Primary Health Centres (PHCs), including opening diagnostic centres and establishing health and wellness centres.
Grants to Local Bodies
Another approved proposal was the continuation of the Fifth State Finance Commission's recommendations for releasing grants to urban and rural local bodies during 2026-27, as the Sixth State Finance Commission's recommendations are yet to be received.
Young Professionals Selection Policy
The cabinet approved the Young Professionals Selection Policy, 2026, aimed at hiring technical and specialized professionals for institutions under the Science, Technology, and Technical Education Department. The policy seeks to improve efficiency in technical institutions through the induction of young professionals.
Border Security Post
To strengthen border security and the intelligence network along the highly sensitive India-Nepal border, the cabinet approved the creation of the post of Inspector General of Police (Border) in the Special Branch of the Home Department.
