The Bihar government has issued a tender to select an engineering consultancy service (ECS) firm for the redevelopment of Raxaul airport, situated along the India-Nepal border in East Champaran district. This initiative is part of the state's broader effort to strengthen its civil aviation sector.
Project Timeline and Vision
The reconstruction of the airport is expected to be completed by June 2028. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced on Wednesday that the tender process for selecting the ECS firm is already underway. In a social media post, he stated, "An important step has been taken to provide national and international connectivity to border areas. The Raxaul airport project will make air travel smoother in the Champaran region and boost trade, tourism and the local economy."
Scope of Work and Infrastructure
The selected ECS firm will oversee construction related to the runway, apron, taxiway, and other airside infrastructure. The CM emphasized that the double-engine government is driving development in Bihar, enabling the state to reach new heights.
Current and Planned Airports in Bihar
At present, four airports are operational in the state: Patna, Gaya, Darbhanga, and Purnia, with the latter two located in border districts. The government has also proposed developing four smaller airports in border areas at Madhubani, Saharsa, Birpur, and Valmiki Nagar. Additionally, the state cabinet has approved proposals for four more airports, including two greenfield projects at Sonepur (with an investment of Rs 1,302 crore) and Sultanganj in Bhagalpur, as well as airports at Munger and Bihta.
Recent Developments
On Tuesday, while reviewing projects related to the Ganga Path in Munger and Bhagalpur, the CM directed officials to initiate work on the proposed Munger airport. This move underscores the government's commitment to expanding air connectivity across Bihar, particularly in border regions.
The Raxaul airport redevelopment is expected to significantly enhance regional connectivity, facilitate smoother travel, and stimulate economic growth in the Champaran area. The project aligns with the state's vision to leverage aviation infrastructure for trade, tourism, and local development.
