Patna: The future of the Bihta Airport project has come under renewed scrutiny following the announcement of a proposed greenfield airport at Sonepur. Construction of the terminal building at Bihta has reportedly been stalled for about 4 months, with only about 2% of the planned work completed so far.
The development comes at a time when Bihar is focusing on expanding and strengthening its air connectivity. The proposed Sonepur airport, described as a major greenfield aviation project, has prompted questions about how the existing Bihta project will fit into the state’s future airport network.
₹459.99 Crore Terminal Construction Stalled
The terminal building at Bihta was planned at an estimated cost of ₹459.99 crore. According to the available information, initial construction work included excavation for the foundation and installation of reinforcement bars.
However, construction reportedly stopped after these initial activities. With work remaining suspended for about four months, rainwater has also accumulated in the excavated portions of the site.
The terminal was originally expected to be completed by 2027, but the prolonged halt in construction has raised concerns about whether the project will meet its planned timeline.
Russian Company Was Awarded Construction Contract
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) had awarded the contract for construction of the Bihta terminal building to a Russian company.
The planned terminal was expected to strengthen Patna’s aviation infrastructure and provide additional capacity for the region. However, the current pace of construction has raised questions over the project’s timeline and eventual scale.
Sonepur Airport Announcement Changes the Equation
The proposed Sonepur greenfield airport, located around 55 kilometres from Bihta, has added another dimension to the debate.
Sonepur’s proposed airport is expected to strengthen air connectivity in the region, while a new terminal at Patna Airport has already been completed at an estimated cost of around ₹1,200 crore.
With Patna, Bihta and a proposed Sonepur airport potentially serving the broader region, questions are being raised about the future roles and capacities of these aviation facilities.
Could Bihta Airport Get a Smaller Terminal?
Reports suggest that the Ministry of Civil Aviation may be considering a model similar to the Purnia airport approach for Bihta.
Under such an approach, instead of proceeding with a large terminal as originally planned, the project could potentially be modified to include a smaller facility focused more on regional connectivity. Smaller aircraft and services under the regional connectivity framework could receive greater emphasis.
However, the project is not necessarily expected to be cancelled. Instead, its scope, capacity or design could be modified depending on future requirements and government decisions.
Bihar Has Already Provided More Than 116 Acres
The Bihar government has provided more than 116 acres of land for the construction of the Bihta terminal, parking facilities and associated infrastructure.
In addition, a survey has reportedly been conducted for around 191.8 acres of land for runway expansion.
An elevated road is also being constructed to improve connectivity between Bihta and Patna, which could provide better road access to the airport once the project becomes operational.
Bihta Has a 2,499-Metre Runway
One of the major advantages of Bihta is its existing runway. The airport has a runway measuring approximately 2,499 metres, which is longer than the runways at several airports in the region, including Patna, Gaya and Deoghar.
This existing infrastructure could provide Bihta with an important role in Bihar’s aviation network, depending on the final decision regarding the terminal and other facilities.
The combination of slow construction at Bihta, the development of Patna Airport’s new terminal and the proposed Sonepur greenfield airport has created uncertainty over the project’s original plan.
For now, the key question is whether the government will continue with the existing Bihta terminal design or modify the project to better complement other airports in the region.
The final role of Bihta Airport is likely to depend on decisions regarding its terminal capacity, runway expansion, regional connectivity requirements and the development timeline of the proposed Sonepur airport.
