Patna: The Bihar cabinet has approved funds for preparing a detailed project report (DPR) for a proposed greenfield airport at Sonepur, marking progress in a key infrastructure project aimed at expanding the state’s aviation capacity.
The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Samrat Choudhary.
Rs 5.06 Crore Approved For DPR
The cabinet sanctioned Rs 5.06 crore as consultancy fees to RITES Ltd for preparing the DPR and master plan for greenfield airports at Sonepur in Saran district and Ajgaibinath Dham in Bhagalpur.
Officials said the agency will also provide technical consultancy and planning support for the projects.
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Bihar’s Biggest Greenfield Airport to Come Up in Sonepur Near Gandak River
Strategic Location Near Patna
The proposed Sonepur airport will be located in the Dariyapur Chawar area, between Hajipur and Dumaria, near the Sonepur–Chhapra NH-19 corridor and east of the Gandak river.
Spread across nearly 4,200 acres, the project is expected to ease congestion at Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport and improve connectivity for North Bihar.
Designed For International Operations
Authorities said the airport is being planned to handle long-haul international flights, with two proposed runways of 4,200 metres each.
The design would allow operations of large aircraft, including wide-body planes such as the Airbus A380.
The state government has already earmarked Rs 1,302 crore for land acquisition.
Target Completion By 2030
Officials said the government has set a target to complete the airport by 2030, positioning it as a major aviation hub for the region.
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Bihar Cabinet Approves 4,200-Acre Greenfield International Airport In Sonepur
Current Airport Infrastructure
Bihar currently has four operational airports — in Patna, Gaya, Darbhanga and Purnia — with varying runway capacities.
Except Patna, most operate from Indian Air Force-controlled airfields, which officials say imposes operational constraints.
The proposed Sonepur airport is expected to address these limitations and strengthen the state’s transport infrastructure.
