Muzaffarpur: Construction has begun on a new airport in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district, with officials saying flight operations could start in the near future.
The project at Patahi was confirmed by Raj Bhushan Choudhary, who said the tender process had been completed and work would accelerate within the next fortnight. Speaking after a meeting in New Delhi with civil aviation minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Choudhary said remaining formalities would be handled “expeditiously”.
The airport, to be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 43 crore, will initially handle small aircraft. Plans include the construction of a runway, taxiways, parking areas, and administrative buildings. A training centre is also expected to be set up on site, with the Airports Authority of India overseeing key aspects of the project. A foundation stone-laying ceremony is anticipated soon.
Officials said the contract had been awarded to a firm currently involved in airport development work in Purnia, following the conclusion of the tender process on March 18 in New Delhi. A joint site inspection is due to take place shortly to finalise technical details.
Separately, Choudhary said interest in investment opportunities in Muzaffarpur had been expressed at an investors’ meeting in Hyderabad. A delegation including officials from the Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority and the state agriculture department presented proposals highlighting the district’s industrial potential.
According to the minister, companies based in Hyderabad are considering investments across sectors including infrastructure and sports facilities. He added that discussions also involved international participants, including a Russian investor exploring opportunities in the region.
A follow-up meeting is scheduled to take place on Sunday, where officials expect further progress on proposed investments and potential approvals for projects in the district.
