Muzaffarpur: Hopes for air connectivity from Muzaffarpur received a significant boost this week, as preparations began to initiate 19-seater flight services from the long-awaited Patahi airport. A three-member technical team commenced survey work on Tuesday to assess the feasibility of launching small aircraft operations.
The team, comprising senior GIS analyst Ravindra Singh, GIS analyst Neeraj Singh, and associate consultant team leader RR Sharma, arrived from Delhi and Patna to inspect the site. Their visit marks a crucial step forward in efforts to operationalise the dormant airport.
Runway and Site Inspections Underway
Led by RR Sharma, the team inspected the runway and surrounding grounds. A search was conducted for the aerodrome reference point—a critical marker indicating the airport’s flying zone. Although initially missing, the wind direction indicator was eventually found obscured by vegetation and reinstalled on-site.
Parts of the aerodrome reference structure were found in disrepair, prompting orders for technical evaluation. The team instructed local authorities to establish a new reference point, suggesting it be marked 45 metres west of the eastern boundary and 75 metres south from the northern end of the runway. Survey work is expected to continue over the next five days.
No Land Acquisition Required
In a development that could expedite progress, officials confirmed that no additional land acquisition will be necessary to initiate small flight operations. The airport currently occupies 101 acres of land. Additional District Land Acquisition Officer Prem Kumar, present during the inspection, cross-verified this with records from a 1996 Airports Authority of India (AAI) survey.
Infrastructure Plans and Funding
Following the survey, a new site map will be drawn up, upon which cost estimates for runway upgrades, terminal buildings, taxiways, and parking areas will be based. This blueprint will then be submitted to the AAI and both state and central governments.
In the interim, the airport’s boundary wall is set to be renovated, with Rs 25 crore already sanctioned for the project. The team is also evaluating nearby structures to determine the safe altitude for aircraft to clear the surrounding buildings.
Demarcation Work Begins
The technical team will remain in Muzaffarpur for the week. Measurement and demarcation activities are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, using the 1996 layout as a reference. The current 1,300-metre runway is considered sufficient for 19-seater aircraft and will undergo necessary repairs to support safe takeoff and landing operations.
