New Delhi/Patna: In a significant push to enhance regional air connectivity, the Bihar government on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the development of six airports across the state under the Centre’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Bihar Chief Secretary Amritlal Meena at Bihar Niwas, New Delhi, with the Union Civil Aviation Ministry approving an initial outlay of ₹25 crore for each airport. A total of ₹150 crore has been sanctioned in the first phase, as cleared by the state cabinet led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Six Airports Identified for Regional Air Connectivity
The airports earmarked for development include five owned by the Bihar government — Birpur, Valmikinagar, Saharsa, Madhubani, and Munger — along with the AAI-owned Muzaffarpur Airport. These locations have been selected based on a pre-feasibility study conducted by the state.
The MoU was signed by Anami Pandey, Executive Director (AAI), and Dr. Nilesh Ramchandra Devre, Director of Civil Aviation, Government of Bihar. Kundan Kumar, Resident Commissioner of Bihar in Delhi, was also present at the event.
19-Seater Aircraft to Operate in Remote Regions
Under the UDAN scheme, the six airports will support 19-seater aircraft, which will significantly boost air travel accessibility in Bihar’s remote and underserved regions. The initiative is expected to improve connectivity, support economic development, and offer a faster travel alternative to far-flung districts.
Strategic Boost to Infrastructure
Officials said the collaborative model between AAI and the Bihar government is aimed at expediting airport development while ensuring operational sustainability. The Centre’s financial backing and the state’s proactive planning are expected to accelerate the rollout of these regional airports.
With air travel in India expanding rapidly, the focus on smaller regional hubs like those in Bihar is seen as a crucial step in making aviation more inclusive and accessible to the general public.
Further project timelines and construction phases will be announced after detailed project reports (DPRs) and necessary clearances are finalized.
