Purnia: The Bihar administration has initiated steps to link Purnea Airport with National Highway 31, officials confirmed following a review meeting chaired by District Magistrate Anshul Kumar. Representatives from the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and other relevant departments attended the session.
The Executive Engineer of the Purnea Road Division was instructed to submit a detailed survey report outlining the proposed connection. A committee has also been established to oversee the project.
Committee members and land acquisition
The newly formed committee includes the Sub-Divisional Officer (Sadar), Executive Engineer of the Road Division, Municipal Commissioner, Chief Security Officer of Purnea Airport, Circle Officer of K Nagar, and the District Land Acquisition Officer. The DM directed the provision of all necessary data for acquiring 15.99 acres of land required for the approach lighting system, with further action contingent on approval from the Ministry of Defence. Coordination with Chunapur Air Force Station has also been mandated at the Station Commander’s level.
Firefighting and safety measures
During the meeting, the DM instructed the District Fire Officer to ensure deployment of firefighting personnel at the Air Force airport as required. In case of staff absences, replacements from the local area must be arranged. Personnel will receive specialized training at a designated institute, with costs borne by the AAI. Drivers of firefighting vehicles will also undergo local training in coordination with the District Transport Officer.
Medical and emergency preparedness
The Civil Surgeon of Purnea has been directed to provide medical officers, paramedical staff, and an ambulance at both Chunapur Airport and the newly constructed interim terminal building. A roster of deputed health workers is to be maintained.
Additionally, the Sub-Divisional Officer, Sadar, and the Deputy Controller of Civil Defence were ordered to release one month’s honorarium to Civil Defence volunteers tasked with keeping animals and birds away from the airstrip. The Director of the interim terminal has been instructed to ensure funds are available promptly for these payments.
