Patna:The Bihar government has approved the acquisition of 24.70 acres of land for the expansion of the runway at Kishanganj airport, according to an official order issued by the Civil Aviation Department.
The department has granted administrative and financial approval of RS. 5.45 crore for the land acquisition process. The order, issued on Thursday last week by additional secretary Akhilesh Kumar Singh, is based on a proposal submitted by the Kishanganj district administration in December 2024.
Runway to be extended on both sides
Under the plan, the runway will be expanded by 700 metres in length and 100 metres in width towards the eastern side, requiring 17.29 acres of land.
On the western side, the runway will be extended by 300 metres in length and 100 metres in width, for which 7.41 acres of land will be acquired.
Officials said the acquisition includes privately owned land as well as land belonging to the Border Security Force (BSF). Compensation has been calculated on the basis of prevailing market value rates under the residential development category.
Funds to be released in 2026-27
The sanctioned amount will be released from the “5302 – Land Acquisition” budget head during the 2026-27 financial year.
The Civil Aviation Department has also approved the transfer of funds to a dedicated project account maintained by the land acquisition officer in Kishanganj. The account has been titled “Project for the Extension of the Runway of Kishanganj Airport”.
The government order specifies that the sanctioned amount can only be used for the runway expansion project. Authorities have also been directed to submit expenditure details and utilisation certificates within the prescribed timeline.
Focus on connectivity and strategic importance
Kishanganj lies in the Seemanchal region near the narrow Siliguri Corridor, commonly referred to as the “Chicken Neck”, which connects mainland India with the north-eastern states.
Officials said the region’s proximity to Nepal and Bangladesh has increased the strategic importance of improving transport and connectivity infrastructure.
The proposed runway expansion is expected to allow operations of larger aircraft and improve air connectivity in the border region.
Expected impact on economy and tourism
State officials said the project could support economic activity, tourism and trade across the Seemanchal region. Improved air infrastructure is also expected to assist emergency services and administrative operations.
State Revenue and Land Reforms minister Dilip Jaiswal said the runway expansion would strengthen regional connectivity and contribute to long-term development in the area.
Construction work is expected to begin after the completion of the land acquisition process.
