Bihta Airport Runway Expansion Awaits Cabinet Approval Amid Local Resistance

Patna: The Bihar government is set to decide the future of Bihta Airport’s runway expansion in the new year, with the state cabinet expected to deliberate on proposals for extending the runway either eastward or westward. The district administration has submitted its report, which outlines the need for acquiring 190.50 acres of land to facilitate the expansion, but the project faces significant challenges, including the demolition of hundreds of homes and opposition from local residents.

Land Acquisition and Impact

According to the district administration, extending the runway will require demolishing 154 houses in the east and 246 in the west, depending on the chosen direction. The expansion is necessary to increase the runway length from 8,000 feet to 12,000 feet, enabling the landing of larger aircraft in all weather conditions. Currently, the shorter runway presents operational challenges.

In Sharfuddinpur village, located east of the airport, the proposed alignment would necessitate the acquisition of 173.50 acres of land, affecting 119 concrete houses, 35 kutcha houses, one mosque, and one tomb. Meanwhile, in Korhar village to the west, 173.50 acres would be required, impacting 143 concrete houses, 103 kutcha houses, one tomb, six temples, and a cemetery on two acres of land. Additionally, the IOCL gas pipeline lies close to the airport’s western boundary, potentially complicating construction efforts.

Local Opposition

Residents of both Sharfuddinpur and Korhar have submitted letters to the district administration, urging authorities to reconsider the land acquisition plans. Many fear the loss of their homes and livelihoods, as well as the destruction of community spaces such as temples, mosques, and cemeteries.

Government Inspections and Reports

A committee formed by the district administration has already conducted an assessment of the proposed expansion. Following the committee’s findings, Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena, along with the District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police, inspected the site to evaluate the feasibility of the project. The administration has clarified that no acquisition will proceed until the state cabinet issues its decision.

Progress and Future Plans

Thus far, 126.40 acres of land have been acquired for Bihta Airport, with 108 acres handed over to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and 18.40 acres reserved for the state hangar. An additional 8.44 acres are in the process of being acquired for the civil enclave. However, the runway expansion requires a further 190.50 acres, of which 173.50 acres would be allocated specifically for the runway.

The expansion of Bihta Airport is seen as critical to boosting Bihar’s aviation infrastructure and reducing pressure on Patna’s Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport. However, the balancing act between development and local concerns remains a significant hurdle.

The project’s future now hinges on the government’s decision, which will determine whether the runway will extend eastward, westward, or if alternative measures will be adopted to address the operational needs of the airport.