Patna: Work on several airport and airstrip projects is progressing across Bihar as the state seeks to strengthen air connectivity. According to information from the Development Commissioner’s office, projects in Raxaul, Muzaffarpur, Purnia, Birpur, Valmikinagar, Saharsa and other locations are at different stages of development.
Specific timelines have been set for some of the key projects, including Raxaul, Muzaffarpur and Purnia.
Raxaul Airport Targeted for April 2029
The land acquisition process for Raxaul Airport has been completed. Work has now moved towards engineering consultancy for airside infrastructure and the expansion of the runway.
The government has set a target of completing the project and making the airport operational by April 2029. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is also undertaking the tender process for engineering consultancy related to the runway and other airside infrastructure.
Muzaffarpur Airport Gets Rs 58.87 Crore in Works
Construction-related work at Muzaffarpur Airport is moving ahead with work orders worth around Rs 58.87 crore.
A work order worth Rs 27.67 crore has been issued for facilities including the terminal building, Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower and fire station.
Another work order worth Rs 31.20 crore covers the runway, apron and taxiway.
The airport has been targeted for commissioning in 2028.
Purnia Airport Target Set for June 2028
The tender process for the new civil enclave at Purnia Airport is underway.
According to the plan, construction is targeted for completion by May 2028, followed by an operational launch by June 2028.
The project is expected to play an important role in improving air connectivity in the Seemanchal region.
Birpur and Valmikinagar Projects Under Tender Process
Airport-related construction work is also progressing in Birpur and Valmikinagar.
Birpur is being developed to accommodate Code 2B category aircraft. Tender processes for facilities such as terminals, ATC towers, electrification and runway infrastructure are underway at the two locations.
Saharsa Airport to Be Re-Tendered
The Saharsa airport project is facing a fresh tender process.
The bids received for construction of the terminal and ATC building were reportedly found to be unusually low. As a result, the project is now being re-tendered.
Kishanganj Runway Expansion Planned
In Kishanganj, preparations are underway to extend the runway by 1,000 metres. For the proposed expansion, the acquisition of 24.70 acres of land is being undertaken.
Meanwhile, consent has been sought from the Airports Authority of India to develop the Farbisganj airport under the modified UDAN scheme.
Sabeya Airstrip Moves Towards Further Survey
The pre-feasibility study for Sabeya airstrip in Gopalganj has been completed successfully.
Preparations are now underway for an Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) survey, which will help determine the feasibility and requirements for further development of the airstrip.
Land and Population Constraints Pose Challenges
Some airport proposals are facing challenges due to land availability and surrounding development.
In Chhapra, limited land and dense population around the proposed site are creating technical difficulties for airport development.
At Ulaw in Begusarai, the proximity of Barauni Refinery, NH-31 and densely populated areas has emerged as a major constraint. Authorities have requested the AAI to conduct an OLS survey to assess the possibilities of development.
Bihar’s Aviation Network Expands
The multiple projects indicate a broader push to expand Bihar’s aviation infrastructure beyond the existing major airports.
While Raxaul, Muzaffarpur and Purnia have specific operational targets, projects in Birpur, Valmikinagar, Saharsa, Kishanganj, Farbisganj, Sabeya, Chhapra and Begusarai are progressing through land acquisition, tendering, surveys or feasibility assessments.
Once completed, these projects could improve regional connectivity and provide additional air travel options for passengers across different parts of Bihar.
