Patna: Bihar is accelerating work on multiple airport projects to expand air connectivity and support balanced regional development across the state. Projects in Raxaul, Muzaffarpur, Purnia, Birpur, Valmikinagar, Saharsa, Forbesganj, Gopalganj, Begusarai and Kishanganj are at different stages of land acquisition, technical studies, tendering and construction.
The Development Commissioner’s office is monitoring the progress of these projects in coordination with the Civil Aviation Department and other concerned departments and agencies. The projects aim to bring better air connectivity to regions that have remained relatively underserved and create new opportunities for trade, tourism, employment and investment.
Raxaul Airport Moves Ahead
The Raxaul Airport project has achieved a major milestone with the completion of land acquisition. The tender process for engineering consultancy for airside infrastructure has also progressed, while procedures for runway expansion are underway.
The airport is strategically important for Bihar’s border region. Its construction and commissioning are targeted for April 2029. Once operational, the airport is expected to strengthen connectivity in North Bihar and boost economic activity in the border areas.
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Construction Gains Pace at Muzaffarpur Airport
At Muzaffarpur Airport, work orders have been issued for several key facilities, including the terminal building, pre-engineered ATC tower and fire station.
Work orders also cover the runway, apron, taxiway, ground support equipment, basic strip strengthening and grading, airside drainage and other associated infrastructure. The project is expected to provide the region with improved passenger facilities and stronger aviation infrastructure.
Purnia Airport Targets 2028 Commissioning
The tender process for developing a new civil enclave at Purnia Airport is currently underway. The project includes modern passenger facilities and is targeted for completion by May 2028, with commissioning planned for June 2028.
The airport is expected to improve air access to the wider Seemanchal region and support movement of people and business activity.
Birpur and Valmikinagar Projects Progress
The Birpur Airport project is being developed for Code 2B aircraft. Tendering has progressed for the terminal building, ATC tower, fire station, city-side development and electrification.
Processes for runway, apron, taxiway and other airside works are also underway.
At Valmikinagar Airport, tendering has progressed for the terminal building, ATC tower, fire station, city-side development and electrification. Work related to the runway, apron, taxiway and other airside infrastructure is also moving forward.
Saharsa Airport Tender Process Underway Again
At Saharsa Airport, the tendering process for the terminal building, ATC tower, fire station and other associated works is being undertaken again after the earlier bid was found to be unusually low.
At the same time, work related to the runway, apron, taxiway and other airside infrastructure is being progressed to move the project forward.
Forbesganj and Gopalganj Projects
Forbesganj Airport is also part of Bihar’s wider regional connectivity plans. The state government has requested the Airports Authority of India to provide the required consent and advance development under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), also known as UDAN, or through Challenge Mode.
At Sabeya Airport in Gopalganj, the initial pre-feasibility study for the brownfield airstrip has found the proposed airport technically feasible. The next steps include an Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) survey and obtaining the necessary consent for development under RCS Modified UDAN.
Challenges for Ulao Airport
The proposed Ulao Airport in Begusarai faces several infrastructure and land-related challenges. These include the proximity of the Barauni Oil Refinery, limited land availability for extending the runway parallel to NH-31 and nearby settlements.
These constraints will need to be addressed before the project can move ahead significantly.
Kishanganj Runway Expansion Proposed
Bihar has also proposed extending the existing 1,000-metre runway at Kishanganj Airport by another 1,000 metres. Around 24.70 acres of land is being acquired for the proposed expansion.
The expansion could increase the airport’s operational potential and strengthen air connectivity in the northeastern part of the state.
A Wider Push for Regional Connectivity
The progress across these projects reflects Bihar’s broader effort to expand aviation infrastructure beyond Patna and improve access to air travel in different regions.
For residents, better airport connectivity can reduce travel time and improve access to major cities. For businesses, it can support faster movement of people and goods, while improved connectivity can also benefit tourism, investment and employment.
With several projects now moving through land acquisition, tendering and construction stages, Bihar’s airport expansion programme could play an important role in connecting more districts with the state’s wider economic network.
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