Patna: The Bihar Cabinet on Wednesday approved a key agreement with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to advance the construction of proposed greenfield airports in Rajgir and the Rohtas-Kaimur region, marking a significant step towards expanding the state’s regional air connectivity.
The cabinet of Ministers approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Bihar government and AAI that will define the roles and responsibilities of both sides for conducting pre-feasibility studies for the proposed airports.
According to the government, the arrangement will facilitate the timely exchange of technical and geographical information, improve coordination during the study phase, and accelerate the overall airport development process. Once operational, the airports are expected to improve connectivity for Rajgir, Rohtas and Kaimur while boosting tourism, trade, investment and employment in the region.
Cabinet Clears Land Acquisition For Bhagalpur Greenfield Airport
The Cabinet also approved revised land acquisition proposals for the Ajgaibinath Dham Greenfield Airport in Bhagalpur.
Under the revised plan, around 3,145 acres of land will be acquired across Bhagalpur and Munger districts at an estimated compensation cost of more than Rs 1,329 crore.
AI Centre Of Excellence Approved
In another major decision, the Cabinet approved the formation of the Bihar State Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence (AI CoE) Corporation, along with its Memorandum and Articles of Association.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening Bihar’s artificial intelligence ecosystem and supporting future technology-driven governance and innovation.
Ropeway Company To Be Established
To promote religious and heritage tourism, the Cabinet approved the formation of the Bihar State Ropeways Company Limited.
The company will plan, develop, operate and manage ropeway infrastructure at important religious and tourist destinations across the state, with the objective of improving safe and modern transport facilities.
Tourism Sector Receives Multiple Boosts
The Cabinet approved several tourism-related measures, including:
- Approval of the Bihar Tourism Service Rules, 2026.
- Approval of the Bihar Tourism Subordinate Service Rules, 2026.
- Authorisation of the Maa Mundeshwari Bhawani Temple Trust to manage the newly constructed dharamshala at the temple complex in Kaimur.
- Approval of the Trust Deed for the Janaki Janmabhoomi Punauradham Temple Trust in Sitamarhi, along with the free transfer of over 50.89 acres of acquired land for the integrated development of Punauradham.
Major Urban Infrastructure Projects Approved
The Cabinet sanctioned several projects under the AMRUT 2.0 Mission, including:
- Rs 232.90 crore for the Hajipur sewerage network and sewage treatment plant.
- Rs 170.86 crore for the Khagaria water supply project.
- Rs 197.12 crore for the Sitamarhi water supply project.
- Rs 228.45 crore for the Samastipur water supply project.
The Cabinet also approved the Bihar Treated Wastewater Reuse Policy, 2026, aimed at promoting the safe reuse of treated wastewater.
New Rules For Mining, Panchayats And Tourism
Among other policy decisions, the Cabinet approved:
- The Bihar Mining (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage) (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026.
- The Bihar Gram Panchayat (Taxes, Rates and Fees) Rules, 2026.
- Delimitation-related proposals for Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis and Zila Parishads based on the 2011 Census.
- Amendments to motor vehicle taxation provisions for two-wheelers and three-wheelers.
Welfare And Administrative Decisions
The Cabinet also approved a series of welfare measures, including:
- Increasing the monthly honorarium of contractual ex-servicemen warders in Bihar prisons from Rs 19,800 to Rs 30,000.
- A compensation policy for the legal heirs of prisoners who die in custody.
- Expansion of the Chief Minister Senior Citizens Shelter Scheme.
- Procurement of 1,500 scooters (including 500 electric scooters) for women police personnel and 3,200 motorcycles for police personnel.
- Extension of the contractual appointment of retired Additional Superintendent of Police Ramakant Prasad for one year.
Education And Aviation Training
The Cabinet approved the selection of an aviation service provider to train students of the Bihar Aviation Institute using a Beechcraft Baron G58 aircraft.
It also approved the expansion of the Saraswati Vidya Niketan (Model School) initiative to additional secondary and higher secondary schools under the state’s Saat Nischay-3 programme.
