Patna : The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has issued a Rs 42.52 crore tender to upgrade Saharsa Airport in Bihar, with plans for a new runway, a two-storey terminal building and an air traffic control (ATC) tower.
The project aims to prepare the airport for Code 2B-category aircraft and improve aviation infrastructure in the Kosi region. The proposed facilities are also intended to support small-aircraft operations, including the planned handling of two aircraft simultaneously.
1,000-Metre Runway Planned
The project includes a 1,000-metre-long and 30-metre-wide runway, along with a 1,120-metre runway strip. Runway end safety areas (RESAs) are proposed at both ends.
The terminal building will cover 1,580 square metres across two floors. The plan also includes a 165-square-metre ATC tower and a 451-square-metre fire station.
Other proposed facilities include a link taxiway, a ground support equipment area, a peripheral road, vehicle access lanes and emergency roads.
Two Companies Submit Bids
According to the tender details, LK Builders and NSC Projects Pvt Ltd are the two companies that have submitted bids for the project.
The tender process began on September 8, and the technical bids are scheduled to be opened on October 28, 2026. The contractor will be selected after the evaluation process.
The selected agency will have 450 days, or around 15 months, to complete the work. The stipulated period includes two months of monsoon-related conditions.
State Government To Provide Additional Land
Saharsa Airport currently has around 60 acres of land, while the proposed expansion requires an additional 15 acres. The Bihar government is expected to provide approximately 12 acres for the project.
The state government is also expected to bear around Rs 147 crore in land acquisition costs. The availability of the required land will be an important factor in implementing the expansion plan.
Fresh Tender Issued After Earlier Process
An earlier tender for the airport upgrade was issued on April 22, with the lowest bid reportedly recorded at Rs 24.95 crore. However, the contractor was not finalised, leading to a fresh tender in September.
The latest tender estimates the project cost at Rs 42.52 crore. The reason for the difference between the earlier lowest bid and the new tender amount has not been independently established.
Flight Services Await Project Progress
The proposed upgrade is intended to improve Saharsa Airport’s infrastructure and support small-aircraft operations in the region. However, the tender does not confirm a launch date for commercial flight services.
The start of operations will depend on construction, the necessary regulatory approvals and arrangements for operating the airport.
