Patna: Former Bihar Chief Minister and Rajya Sabha MP Nitish Kumar is likely to receive special airport protocol facilities at Patna and Delhi airports, according to sources familiar with the development.
Under the proposed arrangement, Nitish Kumar’s vehicle will be allowed direct access up to the runway area, while he will also receive exemptions from certain security screening procedures. Until now, such facilities were generally reserved for serving Chief Ministers.
Sources said that a high-level meeting of the Civil Aviation Ministry recently gave in-principle approval to the proposal. Necessary departmental formalities are currently underway, and an official order is expected to be issued soon. Once notified, the new protocol facility will come into effect immediately.
The decision is reportedly being taken in view of Nitish Kumar’s security requirements, political stature and frequent VVIP movement. Officials believe the arrangement will ensure smoother and safer movement for the veteran leader within airport premises.
Special arrangements are also expected to be made at Patna airport to manage VVIP movement amid congestion and security concerns. Coordination between security agencies and airport authorities is said to be underway regarding the implementation of the new protocol measures.
Sources further said that the process related to permissions and protocol arrangements at Delhi airport is also progressing. At the state government level, it is being viewed as a facility being extended in accordance with Nitish Kumar’s long tenure as Bihar Chief Minister and his security status.
However, no official notification has been issued so far. Departmental sources indicated that most approvals have already been completed and a formal announcement is likely in the coming days.
