Patna: The Bihar government has proposed a combined first-phase investment of Rs 10,000 crore in two greenfield airport projects at Ajgaibinath Dham and Sonepur/Saran, with Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary directing officials to accelerate land acquisition and project-related work.
A presentation and review meeting for the two proposed airports was held on Monday at the Sankalp Hall at the Public Servants’ Residence under the Chief Minister’s chairmanship. The meeting reviewed techno-economic feasibility reports, traffic surveys, master plans, land acquisition, airport capacity, connectivity and supporting infrastructure.
Rs 10,000 Crore Investment Proposed
Officials informed the meeting that the first phase of the Ajgaibinath Dham greenfield airport is expected to involve an investment of around Rs 3,500 crore, while Rs 6,500 crore has been proposed for the Sonepur greenfield international airport.
Both projects are planned to be developed under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, while the state government will bear the costs related to land acquisition and connectivity.
Land Acquisition To Be Fast-Tracked
The meeting also reviewed the land acquisition process under the Bihar Raiyati Land Purchase Policy, 2026.
Chaudhary directed officials to expedite the process and complete the necessary procedures within a stipulated timeframe through coordination among the concerned departments.
The state government has previously initiated steps towards land acquisition for both projects.
Ajgaibinath Airport To Support Tourism
The master plan for the proposed Ajgaibinath Dham greenfield airport was reviewed during the meeting.
Chaudhary directed officials to ensure that the airport infrastructure and runway are designed to facilitate the operation of large aircraft.
The airport is expected to improve air connectivity for Munger, Lakhisarai, Jamui, Bhagalpur, Banka, Khagaria and Begusarai, along with surrounding areas.
The project is also expected to support religious tourism, particularly during the Shravani Mela, when pilgrims travel to Ajgaibinath Dham from different parts of the country.
Sonepur Airport To Focus On Large Aircraft, Cargo
The master plan for the proposed Sonepur/Saran airport was also reviewed.
The Chief Minister directed officials to develop the airport to accommodate large aircraft and place emphasis on cargo facilities and passenger connectivity.
The proposed airport is expected to improve air connectivity for 22 districts of Bihar as well as neighbouring districts of Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh.
The project is also being planned as infrastructure to support wider economic and commercial activity in the region. The Sonepur airport’s master plan and technical studies have been under preparation as part of the state’s airport expansion plans.
Focus On Tourism, Trade And Regional Connectivity
According to the state government’s plans discussed at the meeting, the two airports are expected to strengthen air connectivity while supporting tourism, trade and regional economic activity.
Chaudhary directed the concerned departments to maintain coordination and ensure that all project-related procedures and construction work are completed within the stipulated timeframe.
He also called for regular reviews to monitor progress and address delays.
The meeting was attended by MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Deepak Kumar, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, Development Commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh, Urban Development and Housing Department Principal Secretary Vinay Kumar, Road Construction Department Secretary Pankaj Kumar Pal, Chief Minister’s Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh, Water Resources Department Secretary Dr Chandrashekhar Singh, Civil Aviation Department Secretary Nilesh Ramchandra Deore and other senior officials.
