Raxaul Airport Expansion Gains Speed as Bihar Govt Allocates Rs 207.70 Crore for Land Acquisition

Raxaul: The long-pending expansion of Raxaul Airport in Bihar’s East Champaran district is set to move forward as the state government has allocated ₹207.70 crore for land acquisition. The airport, strategically located on the India-Nepal border, has faced delays due to land shortages. However, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s recent cabinet decision, the hurdle is expected to be resolved soon.

“With the cabinet’s approval, ₹207.70 crore has been allocated for land acquisition. The Khasra register for the designated plots has been prepared, and after the Social Impact Assessment, the acquisition process will begin,” said Saurabh Jorwal, District Magistrate, East Champaran.

The district administration has confirmed that the preliminary process for acquiring 139 acres of additional land has been completed. A letter has been sent to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), stating that land acquisition will commence as soon as a formal requisition is received.

Currently, Raxaul Airport has 137 acres of land, but an additional 139 acres are required to make it operational for civil aviation. The district administration has finalized the Khasra register (land record document), marking the plots to be acquired. The new land will be acquired from six villages—Chikani, Singhpur, Siswa, Ekderwa, Bharatmahi, and Chandauli—affecting around 400 landowners.

To ensure smooth land acquisition, the District Land Acquisition Department has reached out to four agencies for conducting a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) before the process begins. The agency for SIA will be finalized within a week.

Once operational, the airport is expected to boost the region’s economy and improve connectivity for residents. Given its proximity to the Nepal border, it will also enhance security infrastructure in the area.

“This airport holds historical significance as it was originally built during the Indo-China war of 1962-63 for military purposes. Now, under the UDAN scheme, it is being revived to fulfill the dream of air connectivity for the region,” a senior official said.

With all administrative formalities nearing completion, Raxaul Airport is a step closer to becoming a fully functional facility, offering better transport options and fostering regional development.