Bihta / Patna : Work on the construction of a terminal building and a parallel taxi track at Bihta International Airport is set to begin soon, with preparations underway for the foundation stone to be laid by the Prime Minister.
A team of Bihar government officials, along with representatives from the Airport Authority of India (AAI), recently conducted an inspection of the site. It is expected that the inauguration of the new terminal at Patna Airport and the foundation stone-laying ceremony for the terminal and taxi track at Bihta Airport will take place simultaneously, pending approval from the Prime Minister’s Office.
Land Acquisition and Infrastructure Development
The district administration had earlier provided 108 acres of land for the project. Additionally, 8.45 acres have been allocated in Vishambarpur Mauja for the construction of the terminal and parking facilities. The state government has also earmarked 18.40 acres for the construction of a state hangar, with the process of selecting an agency for its construction already completed.
To facilitate drainage from the airport premises, engineers from the Minor Water Resources Department have prepared a detailed project report (DPR) for a drainage system. Meanwhile, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will construct a six-lane approach road connecting NH-922 to the Bihta Civil Enclave, with land acquisition for this project already completed.
Runway Extension and Second Phase Land Acquisition
In a subsequent phase, land acquisition will be carried out to extend the length of the runway from the existing 8,000 feet to 12,000 feet, enabling the airport to handle aircraft in all weather conditions. The district administration has identified 190.50 acres of land for this purpose. According to a survey report prepared for submission to the government, extending the runway towards the east will require the relocation of 154 houses to the west and 246 houses to the east.
