Patna: Bihar’s proposed greenfield airport at Sonepur is being planned as a long-term aviation hub capable of meeting the state’s needs for the next 60 years, with its detailed project report (DPR) expected to be ready within a month, officials said.The airport’s master plan has already been prepared following traffic forecasting, aerodynamic assessments and other technical studies. Once the DPR is completed, it will be placed before the state govt for in-principle approval, following which the Airports Authority of India (AAI) will initiate bidding under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. Construction is expected to begin next year, with the airport targeted for completion before 2030.Officials said the project is being designed with future aviation demand in mind rather than current requirements alone. The DPR envisages two runways capable of handling wide-body aircraft on international routes, with runway lengths expected to range between 3,800 and 4,200 metres depending on technical parameters.The terminal will be developed in phases and will initially be comparable in size to Patna airport’s existing terminal, while allowing for future expansion as passenger traffic grows.The airport’s airside infrastructure will include advanced radar and navigation systems, a CAT III Instrument Landing System (ILS) and an air traffic control tower, bringing it in line with modern aviation standards.The proposed airport will be spread across about 4,228 acres in Saran district. The state govt has approved land acquisition for the project, with compensation estimated at Rs 1,302 crore. The district administration has begun the acquisition process, including the Social Impact Assessment.Officials said the large land parcel would provide significant room for expansion, unlike Patna airport where surrounding urban development limits growth. RITES Ltd is preparing the DPR.The project has already received site clearance from the ministry of civil aviation and is expected to improve air connectivity across north Bihar, including Saran, Vaishali and nearby districts, while serving as an additional aviation gateway for the Patna region.With an estimated cost of around Rs 10,000 crore, including land acquisition, the Sonepur airport is among Bihar’s most ambitious aviation infrastructure projects. Officials said its two-runway layout, scalable terminal and modern infrastructure are aimed at supporting the state’s aviation needs for decades to come.The proposed airport is expected to serve Saran, Vaishali and adjoining districts, while also providing an additional aviation gateway for the Patna region. Its proximity to the confluence of the Ganga and Gandak rivers, the Hariharnath temple and the famed Sonepur Mela could also boost tourism connectivity.Officials said Bihar’s cultural identity would be reflected in the airport’s design, though the primary focus would remain on developing a modern, expandable aviation facility capable of meeting the state’s long-term requirements.
