Regional air connectivity boost for Bihar

Patna: Bihar is set for a major aviation overhaul as the state and central govts collaborate to improve air connectivity. CM Nitish Kumar's vision of an airport within a 200km radius across Bihar is taking shape with plans for three greenfield airports at Rajgir, Bhagalpur and Sonepur. Extensive upgrades are planned for brownfield airports in Bhagalpur, Valmikinagar, Birpur, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Saharsa, Munger and Raxaul. These developments are expected to boost tourism, improve accessibility to remote areas and stimulate regional economic growth.
The Bihar govt has earmarked Rs 495 crore for the development of civil enclave facilities at Birpur, Raxaul and Darbhanga airports. For Raxaul airport, 139 acres of land will be acquired at a cost of Rs 207 crore with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) having completed a pre-feasibility study and an obstacle limitation surface (OLS) survey. Similarly, Rs 42 crore has been allocated for acquiring 88 acres for Birpur airport under the UDAN scheme. These projects complement the ongoing development of Bihta and Purnia airports.
GREENFIELD AIRPORTS
Following the central govt's in-principle approval for a greenfield airport in Rajgir, an AAI team conducted an OLS survey in Feb at a 1,200-acre site near Silao, close to Nalanda University and the international Rajgir Stadium.
In Bhagalpur, the AAI is assessing the feasibility of an airport at either Goradih or Sultanganj with land parcels of 855 acres and 660 acres respectively. Bhagalpur earlier hosted commercial flights in 1983, but these services ceased due to low passenger numbers. Despite multiple revival attempts since the 1990s, air connectivity has remained elusive.
In Sonepur, a 1,200-acre plot has been identified for a greenfield airport. Saran MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy has been instrumental in pushing the proposal with AAI requiring a minimum of 1,000-1,200 acres to develop an airport capable of handling wide-bodied aircraft.
CIVIL ENCLAVES
Apart from Patna and Bihta, civil enclaves at Darbhanga and Purnia are under development. The new Patna airport terminal will be operational by April while Purnia is expected to commence flight operations by June or July. The new terminals at Darbhanga and Bihta are slated for completion by Sept 2026 and April 2027, respectively.
Purnia airport, the first in the Seemanchal region, is progressing with an investment of Rs 42 crore. The project includes a civil enclave with an apron, taxiway, and ground support equipment areas. A new four-lane approach road costing Rs 14 crore is also in the works. The interim terminal will feature modern amenities, including five aerobridges.
Expressing optimism about the project's impact, JD(U) leader and MP Sanjay Jha said, "Just as Darbhanga airport is setting new records under the UDAN scheme, Purnia will also soar high. This will be a significant gift for people in nearby districts."
At Darbhanga, the foundation stone for the new civil enclave was laid virtually by PM Narendra Modi on Oct 20, 2023. The Centre has allocated Rs 912 crore for the project, which will span 76 acres. The terminal, inspired by the 19th-century Darbhanga Fort, will feature traditional Mithila paintings and sculptures by local artists. Designed to handle 3,000 passengers per hour and 30 lakh annually, the facility will include 40 check-in counters, 14 self-check-in kiosks, five aerobridges and an apron for seven aircraft. Plans also include a multi-level car park and a cargo terminal.
To accommodate larger aircraft, Darbhanga airport's runway will be extended, requiring an additional 90 acres at a cost of Rs 245 crore. Since its inauguration under the UDAN scheme in 2020, over 23 lakh passengers have travelled through Darbhanga airport.
EXPERTS WEIGH IN
Industry leaders and aviation experts have welcomed the expansion but stressed the need for affordability and efficient regional connectivity.
K P S Keshri, president of the Bihar Industries Association, highlighted concerns over high airfares, attributing them partly to high VAT on aviation fuel. "Flights refuelling in Patna incur extra costs due to higher VAT compared to Kolkata, Ranchi and Lucknow. The state govt must address this to ensure affordability," he said.
Keshri also pointed out that Bihar's UDAN scheme has not been fully effective. "More airports mean a need for feeder airlines, as seen elsewhere. These smaller aircraft reduce costs and increase accessibility. If ticket prices remain high, people will only fly in emergencies. Time-saving travel is invaluable for business, but it must be affordable," he added.
Former Patna airport director Arvind Dubey remained sceptical about the govt's promises. "Better connectivity drives development, but the current trend of announcements seems more like election rhetoric. If they were serious, why has not significant progress been made yet?" he questioned.
Sachin Chandra, former president of CREDAI-Bihar, said the large Bihari diaspora and its reliance on air travel. "Increased air connectivity will ease travel for people returning home. Given Bihar's high population density, more airports are essential. This will also reduce Patna's burden," he said.