Patna : Construction of the new terminal building at Bihta Airport near Patna has come under a high-level review after only around 2% of the project was completed, despite a target to finish the work by 2027.
The construction has reportedly remained stalled for the past four to five months, with work at the site limited to foundation-related activity.
The slow progress has prompted a visit by a high-level team associated with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the Project Monitoring Group under the PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance And Timely Implementation) framework.
The team is expected to assess the current status of the project and the reasons behind the prolonged delay before submitting its findings to the PMO.
Rs 460 Crore Terminal Project Faces Delay
The integrated terminal building at Bihta is being developed at an estimated cost of around Rs 460 crore.
The work was awarded to the Russian company Joint Stock Company Industrial Association Vozrozhdenie in 2025. The project was initially targeted for completion by March 14, 2027.
The wider Bihta civil enclave project has an estimated cost of Rs 1,413 crore, according to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s infrastructure monitoring reports. The broader project includes the new civil enclave and associated airport infrastructure.
The Airports Authority of India has also identified the development of a new integrated terminal building, utility building, elevated road and associated electro-mechanical, airport, IT and security systems as part of the Bihta civil enclave project.
PRAGATI Team To Inspect Site
The high-level team from the Project Monitoring Group and PRAGATI platform is scheduled to inspect the Bihta terminal site and review the project’s physical progress.
The team includes Shwetank Sinha and Anurag Tripathi, who will examine the status of construction and the reasons for the delay.
One of the issues being reviewed is whether the terminal will continue to be developed within the previously planned 68,000-square-foot area or whether changes will be required.
The findings will be compiled into a report for the PMO, after which further action on the stalled project is expected.
Construction Progress Remains Far Behind Target
The latest reported progress has raised concerns because a substantial portion of the scheduled project period has already passed while only a small part of the work has been completed.
Government monitoring data had recorded 1.28% physical progress in April 2026, showing that construction was still at an early stage earlier this year.
Earlier monitoring reports had also recorded progress of only around 1%, underlining the slow pace of construction.
The reported stoppage over the past several months has further complicated efforts to meet the 2027 completion target.
Bihta Airport Planned To Ease Pressure On Patna Airport
The Bihta airport project is intended to provide additional aviation capacity for Patna and surrounding areas and reduce pressure on Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport.
The first phase includes the passenger terminal building, service block, fire station and apron. The airport is planned to handle around 3,000 passengers, according to project details reported earlier.
The project is also expected to improve air connectivity for the western parts of Patna and areas around Bihta, where several educational and industrial institutions are located.
Connectivity between Patna and Bihta is also being strengthened through the Danapur-Bihta elevated road project.
Patna Airport To Be Reviewed On October 9
The PMO-linked review will not be limited to Bihta.
After assessing the Bihta airport terminal project, the same team is scheduled to inspect and review Patna Airport on October 9.
The assessments are expected to provide a clearer picture of the progress and challenges facing the two airport projects and help determine the next steps for accelerating infrastructure work.
For Bihta, the immediate challenge is to address the prolonged construction slowdown and bring the project back on track if the 2027 completion target is to be maintained.
