Patna: Bihar’s airport infrastructure is set for a major upgrade following a high-level review meeting held in New Delhi on Tuesday between Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and Sanjay Kumar Jha, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture.
The meeting focused on expanding air connectivity across the state, with consensus reached on runway extensions, terminal development, and new aviation linkages.
Runway Expansion Plans Approved
Officials agreed on extending the runway at Patna Airport by 300 metres and installing a Simple Approach Lighting System to improve operational safety.
The Bihar government has been requested to provide around 49 acres of land for the expansion project, according to information shared after the meeting.
At Gaya Airport, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has agreed to runway expansion and sought additional land from the state government to support the development plan.
Darbhanga Airport to Be Upgraded
Darbhanga Airport has received approval for upgradation to international status, with land acquisition for expansion already completed by the state government.
Around 90 acres of land will be used to extend the runway to 12,000 feet (3,658 metres) and install modern lighting systems. The land is expected to be handed over to the Airports Authority of India within two weeks.
Officials also agreed to hold discussions with the Ministry of Defence on operational aspects linked to the airport’s international upgrade.
New Terminal and Regional Connectivity Push
The meeting also reviewed ongoing infrastructure development at Purnia Airport under the UDAN scheme, with a decision to fast-track tenders for a new permanent terminal building.
Plans were also discussed to include Rajgir in the aviation network, with proposals for heliports and improved connectivity under the revised UDAN framework. A feasibility study for a proposed airport at Sultanganj in Bhagalpur has shown positive outcomes.
Regional Air Network Expansion
The Ministry indicated that possibilities for connecting key Buddhist Circuit locations and developing regional aviation links are under consideration.
A decision was also taken to initiate the tender process by June 2026 for operating small aircraft services from Birpur, Valmikinagar, Saharsa and Muzaffarpur.
Joint Centre-State Focus
Sanjay Kumar Jha said both the NDA-led Centre and Bihar government are working in coordination to strengthen air connectivity across the state.
He added that improved aviation infrastructure is expected to support tourism growth, economic activity and employment generation in Bihar.
