Muzaffarpur: Construction work has begun at Patahi Airport in Muzaffarpur for the proposed launch of small aircraft services under the Centre’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN), with work on the terminal building and boundary wall currently underway.
A Kanpur-based agency has started excavation and piling work for the construction of pillars for the terminal building. Construction materials, including ash brought from Sasaram, as well as sand and stone chips, have been stocked at the site.
Repair work on the existing runway is also underway. A foundation stone-laying ceremony for the project is expected to be held soon.
Around Rs 40 crore is being spent in the first phase of the development work, according to the details available. The project includes construction of a taxiway, parking area, Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, operations building, fire station and other airport-related infrastructure.
A training aviation centre is also proposed to be established at the airport.
Rs 43 crore earmarked for airside infrastructure
Around Rs 43 crore is expected to be spent on the runway, taxiway, apron and other airside infrastructure.
A modern prefabricated steel-structure terminal building is being developed to provide passenger facilities. The airport is being developed under the Centre’s UDAN scheme with the objective of improving regional air connectivity.
The entire construction area has been cordoned off and entry of unauthorised persons has been restricted. Local police stations have reportedly been assigned responsibility for ensuring that construction work is not disrupted.
Runway may be extended by around 150 metres
The existing runway at Patahi Airport is 1,050 metres long. It may be extended by around 150 metres to approximately 1,200 metres as part of the development plan.
An Airports Authority of India (AAI) team had recently conducted a survey of the airport and prepared a plan for the proposed development.
According to the project details, a runway of around 1,200 metres is considered sufficient for operating 19-seater aircraft. The proposed development is also expected to be carried out without requiring additional land acquisition.
The Patahi Airport complex currently covers around 106 acres.
The proposed infrastructure development is expected to provide the facilities required for the operation of small aircraft and improve air connectivity for Muzaffarpur and surrounding areas. The exact date for commencement of passenger flight services will depend on completion of the infrastructure and the subsequent regulatory and operational approvals.
