Patna: Bihar chief minister Samrat Chaudhary has directed officials to accelerate work on expanding regional air connectivity under the sixth version of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) of the Centre’s UDAN programme.
Chaudhary reviewed the status of RCS-UDAN 6.0 in Patna on Sunday. Civil Aviation Department secretary Nilesh Ramchandra Deore gave a presentation on proposals to strengthen air connectivity, develop new airports and helipads, and connect smaller towns and tourist destinations.
Five Locations Given Priority
The chief minister directed officials to speed up work on aviation facilities at Sabeya in Gopalganj, Forbesganj in Araria, Kishanganj, Saran and Ulao in Begusarai.
He also asked officials to examine the feasibility of developing helipads or other aviation facilities at Aurangabad, Banka, Khagaria, Nawada, Sheikhpura and Sitamarhi.
Officials were directed to assess land availability, site suitability, traffic potential and other technical requirements before proceeding with the proposed facilities.
Helipads Planned In Key Regions
Chaudhary specifically directed officials to initiate planning for helipads between Rajgir and Gaya, Sasaram and Kaimur, and in the Shahabad region.
He said priority should be given to locations that could serve neighbouring districts as well as important tourism, religious and economic centres.
The chief minister also directed district administrations to coordinate with the Civil Aviation Department to ensure the availability of land and other resources required for the projects.
बिहार में मजबूत होगी हवाई कनेक्टिविटी, विकास को मिलेगी नई उड़ान! ✈️
लोक सेवक आवास स्थित ‘संकल्प’ सभागार में राज्य में हवाई कनेक्टिविटी के विस्तार को लेकर समीक्षा की। सबेया (गोपालगंज), फारबिसगंज, किशनगंज, सारण एवं उलाव (बेगूसराय) में हवाई अड्डों के विकास तथा कई जिलों में नए एयर… pic.twitter.com/UsHpt5JtJZ
— Samrat Choudhary (@samrat4bjp) August 16, 2026
Focus On Tourism And Economic Growth
Chaudhary said better air connectivity would give fresh momentum to tourism, trade, industry, investment, employment and economic activity in Bihar.
He said connecting important tourism, religious and historical destinations by air could increase domestic and international tourist flows while strengthening local economies.
Officials were asked to prepare proposals suited to Bihar’s requirements under the Regional Connectivity Scheme and coordinate with the relevant central ministries and authorities to advance them.
The revised UDAN scheme is intended to improve regional air connectivity by linking smaller cities and underserved areas with air services.
The meeting was attended by chief secretary Pratyaya Amrit, principal secretary to the chief minister Deepak Kumar, secretary to the chief minister Sanjay Kumar Singh, urban development and housing secretary Animesh Parashar, transport secretary Rajkumar, Patna district magistrate Kundan Kumar, information and public relations secretary Naveen Kumar and other senior officials.
