Bettiah: Preparations have accelerated for the launch of helicopter connectivity and 19-seater aircraft operations at Valmikinagar Airport, with the state government fast-tracking infrastructure upgrades, runway expansion, and security arrangements to improve air access to the border town and boost tourism in West Champaran.
Runway Expansion and Land Acquisition
As part of the expansion plan, the existing 1,100-metre runway will be upgraded and extended to meet future operational requirements. The project requires relocation of the 21st Battalion outpost of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) at Thadi, which falls within the proposed land acquisition area for the runway extension.
District authorities have identified and allotted nearly four acres of land in Thadi, around 4km from the airport, for constructing the new SSB outpost. A proposal has been sent to the SSB headquarters for approval.
Survey and Inspection
Bagaha-II circle officer Wasim Akram said a joint survey of government and private land around the airport had been completed as part of the expansion exercise. “The existing SSB outpost falls within the proposed acquisition area. Around four acres of land have been made available in Thadi for the new outpost. Construction will begin once approval is received from the SSB headquarters,” Akram said.
A team of officials led by ADM Rajiv Kumar Sinha inspected the Valmikinagar Airport on Thursday. During the inspection, officials assessed the area proposed for expansion and held discussions with private landholders (raiyati land). Reports indicate that approximately seven acres of additional land have been selected for the airport’s expansion. Currently, the airport has about 45 acres of land. Positive discussions are underway with around 15 landowners.
Infrastructure Developments
The ADM stated that the expansion project involves constructing a new terminal building, extending the runway, and developing a wide access road to the terminal. Information was also gathered regarding the relocation of the Thadhi SSB camp and forest land matters. Following the inspection, ADM Rajiv Kumar Sinha said physical verification of the selected land was conducted and interaction with farmers was positive. The site proposed for the terminal building was inspected.
To improve connectivity, the road linking the airport with the national highway will be widened into a three-lane corridor. Two lanes will cater to regular traffic, while the third will be reserved for VIP movement and airport-related transport.
Technical and Security Upgrades
Akram said a joint inspection of the airport was recently carried out by officials of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and Global and Reserve Services, Patna, led by Rajneesh Kumar Prasad, deputy general manager of Gorakhpur Airport. The airport’s security infrastructure will be strengthened with deployment of a DSP-rank officer, additional police personnel, enhanced perimeter security, boundary fencing, sanitation measures, and development of basic passenger facilities.
Officials said the airport is expected to begin operations with 19-seater aircraft in the initial phase. Necessary runway upgrades and supporting infrastructure will be developed to meet technical requirements. The possibility of operating larger aircraft will be explored in later phases depending on passenger demand.
Tourism Boost
The tourism push comes amid a sharp rise in visitor footfall at the tiger reserve. According to forest department data, tourist arrivals increased from around 92,000 in 2021-22 to nearly 4.8 lakh in 2024-25. By May 30 of the current financial year (2025-26), around 6.2 lakh tourists had already visited the reserve, including a growing number of foreign visitors from countries such as England and France.
