Begusarai: With Begusarai emerging as a major industrial and commercial hub, the demand for a greenfield airport here is getting traction. The existing old Ulao airport in the city is capable of handling only small aircraft. Even though this airport had been defunct for a long period, been defunct and only after initiatives taken for its revival by the state govt that an eight-seater chartered aircraft operated from here a few days ago.Speaking about the demand for a greenfield airport here with the capacity of large commercial flight operation, an orthopaedic surgeon Dr Nishant Ranjan said industrial units of major corporations like IOCL and NTPC are situated in Begusarai. “Business offices of several big construction as well as commercial companies are stationed here. The situation leads to high inflow and outflow of air passengers from here at Patna airport, which is already overburdened,” he said.
He further said, setting up a new airport here would give access to easy air connectivity to people of Khagaria, Munger, Lakhisarai and even Bhagalpur. “Land should not be a problem for construction of the airport as vast stretches of land are available under Sahebpur Kamal and Balia blocks of the district,” Ranjan said.Pitching for the demand Shiv Prakash Bhardwaj, a private school owner, said Begusarai deserves a new airport for direct air connectivity. “The district has highest per capita income in the state after the state capital. It has a thriving industry and business ecosystem, making it a major emerging economy power in the eastern part of the country,” he said.Arman Anand, who teaches at the local college, said Begusarai has a great opportunity now for taking the initiative in the construction of a new airport.
