Patna: Bihar’s cabinet has approved surveys for six airports—including Bhagalpur, Munger, Valmikinagar, Madhubani, Birpur (Supaul), and Saharsa—as part of a push to expand regional air connectivity across the state, while also clearing 30 key agenda items in its latest meeting. The study will assess passenger potential, runway requirements, land availability, and aircraft handling needs to determine feasibility for each proposed site. The Airports Authority of India has been tasked with conducting the pre‑feasibility assessments with an allocated budget, paving the way for potential construction and phased operations under regional connectivity frameworks.
Officials said the move aligns with the state’s broader aviation roadmap that includes greenfield and brownfield upgrades to decongest existing hubs and extend air access to underserved districts, boosting mobility, investment, and tourism corridors. Bhagalpur’s options have been discussed at Goradih or Sultanganj land parcels, reflecting parallel long-term planning beyond the six-town survey list cleared for immediate study. The cabinet session also advanced complementary infrastructure and event-related outlays, underlining an integrated approach to logistics, transport, and public services tied to economic growth objectives.
While the surveys themselves do not guarantee immediate construction, they are a mandatory first step to establish technical, financial, and operational viability, after which land acquisition, regulatory clearances, and detailed project reports would follow as per central and state procedures. The government has framed the aviation expansion as essential to bring more districts within accessible flight radii, reduce travel burdens on Patna, and unlock regional markets by connecting industrial and educational centers with major metros.
