In a major boost to regional air connectivity and infrastructure, the Bihar state cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The MoU paves the way for the construction of six small airports in various districts of Bihar under the Centre's UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme.

This development, backed by a ₹150 crore investment, is aimed at transforming Bihar’s air connectivity landscape and improving accessibility to underserved and remote regions.

🗂 Overview of the Airport Development Plan

Under the approved MoU, the following six locations have been identified for the development of small airports:

1. Madhubani
2. Birpur (Supaul district)
3. Munger
4. Valmikinagar (West Champaran district)
5. Muzaffarpur
6. Saharsa

These towns are currently underserved by commercial air services but hold significant economic, cultural, and logistical importance in their respective regions.

🤝 Government Collaboration with AAI

• The project will be executed in partnership with the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
• As per the MoU, AAI will provide:
  • Technical planning and engineering support
  • Construction of basic infrastructure
  • Operational management during the initial phases

The Bihar government, on the other hand, will oversee:

• Land acquisition
• Utility provisioning
• Administrative support and funding

💰 Financial Details

• Total Budget: ₹150 crore
• Average Cost per Airport: Approx. ₹25 crore
• Funding Source: The amount will be allocated from the State Infrastructure Development Fund, with some matching support from central schemes under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

📌 Strategic Objectives

The core objectives of this initiative are:

• Provide direct air links to underserved regions.
• Reduce dependence on larger airports like Patna and Gaya.

• Encourage local tourism, trade, and industry development.
• Improve logistics and supply chains in remote areas.

• Support in medical evacuations, disaster response, and government mobility.

• Contribute to the Centre’s UDAN scheme, promoting affordable air travel for the common citizen.

🛠 Infrastructure Plan

Each of the six small airports will include:

• A short runway, capable of handling 19–72 seater aircraft (depending on terrain and usage demand).
• A terminal building with basic passenger amenities.
• Security and firefighting infrastructure.
• Parking bays and hangars for smaller aircraft.
• Provisions for future expansion, depending on traffic and economic activity.

🗓 Implementation Timeline

• Land acquisition and preparatory work: Scheduled to start within 3–6 months.
• Construction Phase: Expected to begin by the end of the financial year (FY 2025–26).
• Operational Launch: A phased rollout is expected, with initial test flights possible by early 2027, subject to clearances.

📈 Socioeconomic Impact

• Hundreds of jobs to be created during construction and operational phases.
• Boost for local contractors, engineers, and service providers.

• Districts like Valmikinagar (home to Valmiki Tiger Reserve) and Munger (with historical significance) are expected to benefit from increased tourist footfall.

• Availability of air connectivity may encourage private investment in industry, logistics, and education.

🔮 Future Vision

The Bihar government has signaled that these six airports could be precursors to a larger aviation expansion. If successful, more towns could be brought under regional air networks. Officials have also hinted at possible Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) for operational expansion and maintenance.

💬 Official Statement

A senior official from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated:

“This move is not just about building runways—it’s about building opportunities. From healthcare and education to tourism and trade, these airports will help connect people and ideas across Bihar’s heartland.”

📰 Conclusion

This ₹150 crore investment is a milestone in Bihar’s efforts to modernize its transportation infrastructure. With the support of the Centre’s UDAN scheme and technical execution by AAI, these six small airports are expected to unlock new economic zones, bridge regional divides, and give thousands of citizens access to affordable, efficient air travel.