Friday, September 19, 2025
The Bihar government has unveiled plans to develop 15 airports, including a new international airport near Patna, to boost regional connectivity. The initiative, backed by ₹11,500 lakh, aims to transform the state’s aviation landscape under the UDAN scheme
The Bihar government has announced a landmark plan in its 2025–26 budget to construct 15 airports across the state in a bid to boost regional connectivity, attract investment, and support the long-term growth of the aviation sector.
Who Announced It?- Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, who also holds the Finance portfolio, presented the plan during the budget session in the Bihar Legislative Assembly.
- 3 Key Greenfield Airports Planned:
- Rajgir – A religious and tourist hub in Nalanda district.
- Sultanganj – A spiritual town in Bhagalpur.
- Raxaul (Forbesganj) – Strategically located near the Indo-Nepal border.
- 7 Additional Regional Airports:
These will be smaller airstrips with UDAN-backed upgrades.
- Bhagalpur
- Valmikinagar (West Champaran)
- Birpur (Supaul)
- Madhubani
- Munger
- Saharsa
- Muzaffarpur
- Strategic Goals
- Improve regional air connectivity and support tier-2/tier-3 cities.
- Enhance trade, tourism, and employment opportunities.
- Support growth in border and underserved regions of Bihar.
- Align with India’s civil aviation vision for 2040+.
- Investment Details
- Total allocation: ₹11,500 lakh.
- To be partially funded and supported under the Central Government’s UDAN Scheme (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik).
- Emphasis on affordable flying and last-mile air connectivity.
- 🛠️ Ongoing Projects
- Purnia Airport (Defence Base – Civil Use)
- Commercial flight operations expected within 3 months.
- A makeshift terminal is nearing completion.
- Will serve northeast Bihar and bordering regions.
- Envisioned to meet civil aviation demand for the next 50–70 years.
- Formal request submitted by Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (Feb 27).
- Bihar govt promises land acquisition and full support.
- Awaiting feasibility survey by central agencies.
- Bihar currently has only 3 operational airports.
- This plan increases the number fivefold, indicating a bold vision for infrastructure and connectivity.
- Will position Bihar as an aerospace and logistics hub in eastern India.
- Feasibility studies and land acquisition to begin soon.
- Collaboration with AAI, NABARD, and the Civil Aviation Ministry.
- Execution to span over the next 5–7 years in phases.
