Patna: Bihar is planning to develop two international greenfield airports in Sonepur and Ajgaivinath Dham in Sultanganj, near Bhagalpur, with facilities for aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and pilot training.
The proposed airports are envisioned as aviation hubs that will support passenger services as well as technical and training activities. The state government is preparing a dedicated Aviation Vision and Policy to expand air connectivity, attract aviation-related businesses and generate employment.
The initiative is part of a broader plan to strengthen Bihar’s aviation infrastructure and connect smaller towns through regional air services.
Sonepur And Sultanganj To Get Aviation Facilities
According to the proposed plan, both airports will have Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities for large aircraft. These centres will undertake aircraft inspections, repairs and technical maintenance.
The government also plans to establish Flight Training Organisations (FTOs) at both locations to train aspiring pilots.
The proposed facilities are expected to encourage aviation-related technical activities and create employment opportunities in aircraft maintenance, engineering and pilot training.
KPMG Appointed To Draft Aviation Policy
The Bihar government has appointed Gurugram-based consultancy firm KPMG India Services LLP to prepare the state’s aviation policy.
The appointment was announced through an official notification issued by Dr Nilesh Ramchandra Deore, Secretary of the Civil Aviation Department.
The consultancy has been awarded the work for approximately Rs 90 lakh, including a professional fee of around Rs 86.17 lakh and applicable taxes.
The agency will assess Bihar’s geographical conditions, aviation infrastructure and commercial potential before preparing a long-term roadmap for the sector.
The policy is expected to outline measures to increase air traffic, attract investment and promote aviation-related businesses across the state.
Regional Airports To Be Upgraded Under UDAN
Alongside the two proposed international airports, the government is also planning to strengthen regional air connectivity under the Centre’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme.
The airports identified for development include Patahi in Muzaffarpur, Birpur, Valmikinagar and Saharsa.
The proposed work includes upgrading runways and other infrastructure to make these airports suitable for smaller commercial aircraft.
The initiative aims to connect more towns and regional centres to the state’s aviation network, improving access for residents and businesses.
Focus On Tourism And Employment
Improved air connectivity is expected to support tourism and commercial activities in districts such as Muzaffarpur, Saharsa and areas around Birpur and Valmikinagar.
The proposed MRO centres and pilot training organisations in Sonepur and Sultanganj could also create employment opportunities in technical maintenance, aviation operations and training.
Through the proposed aviation policy, the Bihar government aims to develop an integrated aviation ecosystem that extends beyond passenger transportation to include aircraft maintenance, pilot training and regional connectivity.
