Proposed Bhagalpur Airport Gains Momentum; AAI Team Prepares For Site Visit

Bhagalpur: The proposed airport in Bhagalpur has taken a significant step forward, with a team from the Airport Authority of India (AAI) set to visit the identified sites in Sultanganj and Goradih. The visit aims to assess the feasibility of the new airport, marking progress in enhancing regional connectivity.

The AAI has requested a detailed report on seven critical aspects related to the proposed site. These include land assessments from Sultanganj and Goradih, high-tension wire clearance from the Electricity Department, soil type analysis from the Agriculture Department, temperature data from Bihar Agricultural University, drainage plans from the Minor Irrigation Department, and altitude data from the Building Division. The Bhagalpur District Administration is expected to compile and submit the report by the end of this month.

To facilitate the pre-feasibility study and site visit, ₹37.87 lakh has been allocated for the 2024-25 fiscal year. This funding, provided by the Directorate of Civil Aviation in Patna, will be exclusively used for these initial assessments. The AAI Chairman has also asked the state’s Cabinet Secretariat Department to deposit the study fee, further expediting the process.

The findings from the site visit and pre-feasibility study will play a crucial role in determining the airport’s viability. Based on the report, the Bihar Cabinet will decide on the construction of the airport, which is expected to enhance the region’s connectivity and infrastructure.

Meanwhile, efforts to upgrade the existing Bhagalpur airport under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) are ongoing. The airport is being prepared to accommodate 20-seater aircraft, with the reconstruction of its 4.5-kilometer boundary wall now complete. The main entrance is under construction, and lighting arrangements are being planned as per Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) guidelines.

Additionally, ₹4.64 crore has been allocated for runway carpeting, with the tendering process already initiated by the Road Construction Department. However, runway work is yet to begin. The VIP lounge, inaugurated by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in 2018, remains operational.

These developments signal a renewed focus on improving Bhagalpur’s aviation infrastructure, with the new airport project offering hope for enhanced regional connectivity and economic growth.