Patna: As many as 10 cities of the state are likely to get air connectivity under the Centre's Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)—Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN).
Deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary announced on Tuesday that the Centre will soon finalize the MoU to connect 10 places of the state by air under the UDAN 5.2 scheme. He applauded chief minister Nitish Kumar's leadership in driving the initiative.
He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for implementing the programme to enhance air services to smaller and unconnected areas. According to Choudhary, under the UDAN scheme operation of small-bodied aircraft will be introduced at Birpur in Supaul, Saharsa, Rajgir, Bhagalpur, Munger, Muzaffarpur, Valmiki Nagar in Bettiah, Motihari, Madhubani and Chhapra.
"Through agreement between airline operators and govt authorities, 20-seater aircraft will be introduced in these cities. Besides airports will also be developed. For commercial flight operations, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) will ensure essential services, including civil enclave management, fire safety, security, and passenger amenities," Choudhary said.
He said the central govt has initiated a feasibility study for air services from the 10 cities. "The Centre has requested the state govt's approval and verification regarding land availability for the development of airports, following which the civil enclave will be constructed and commercial flight operations will begin. The state administration will soon arrive at a decision in the regard," he said.
Earlier, the Centre started the airport in Darbhanga under the UDAN on November 8, 2020, with three flights, each for Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai. At present the airport handles six-seven flights per day. So far, 23 lakh people have travelled by air from Darbhanga airport. In view of growing passenger footfall, the central govt has approved Rs 918 crore for the construction of a bigger terminal building and other amenities at the Darbhanga airport.