Patna: Bihar is accelerating airport infrastructure development across several locations to improve regional air connectivity, boost tourism, facilitate trade and drive economic growth. The focus is on upgrading existing airports and developing new greenfield facilities, particularly in north and east Bihar, to reduce pressure on Patna and expand direct flight options.Raxaul airport in East Champaran, near the India-Nepal border, is advancing as a strategic brownfield project with potential for cross-border trade and travel with Birgunj in Nepal. Around 139 acres have been identified to support larger aircraft such as Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. About one-third of the land has been acquired and the rest expected soon. The state govt has released around Rs 208 crore for land acquisition. The runway will be extended to 2,360 metres, enabling commercial jet operations and emergency landings by Indian Air Force aircraft.Darbhanga airport, operational since 2020, is undergoing expansion. Civil aviation secretary Nilesh Ramchandra Deore said, “Land acquisition for runway extension is in the final stages, while construction of a new Rs 572 crore permanent terminal building is progressing steadily, with a target completion by Nov 2026. The upgraded terminal will feature modern facilities over a much larger area to accommodate higher passenger volumes. Cargo hub was also approved.”The Bihar cabinet has approved a Rs 138-crore project for a cargo hub and aerocity near Darbhanga, involving around 50 acres for logistics infrastructure, a domestic air cargo terminal and allied facilities. Work on apron, taxiway and airside infrastructure is also progressing.Muzaffarpur airport at Patahi is being revived, with tenders issued for upgrades to support Code-2B aircraft. One tender worth about Rs 43 crore covers runway, taxiway and apron works, while another of Rs 28 crore focuses on a prefabricated terminal, ATC tower and fire station.Birpur airport in Supaul is also being developed as a Code-2B facility. “The tender for the terminal building has been completed, while the runway tender is expected to be issued shortly. This upgrade includes construction of a prefabricated steel structure terminal, a pre-engineered ATC tower, fire station and associated infrastructure under an EPC mode,” Deore said.He added, “Land acquisition for both has received approval from the state cabinet, and the process for appointing the detailed project report (DPR) agency is in the final stages.”Greenfield projects include a proposed international airport at Sonepur in Saran on over 4,200 acres with Rs 1,302 crore sanctioned for land, and another at Sultanganj in Bhagalpur.The AAI has also floated a Rs 35 crore tender for Saharsa airport upgrade to handle Code-2B aircraft, with a 450-day completion timeline.
