Patna: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has issued an Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) tender worth approximately Rs 294.05 crore for the construction of a permanent civil enclave at Purnia Airport, marking the next phase of the airport’s expansion in Bihar’s Seemanchal region.
According to the Bihar government, the project will include a new passenger terminal, supporting airport infrastructure and external development works. Officials said the development is expected to enhance air connectivity while supporting tourism, trade, investment and employment in north-eastern Bihar.
Permanent Terminal Planned After Interim Operations
The proposed civil enclave will replace the interim passenger facility that has been handling commercial operations since its inauguration in September 2023.
According to Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, the interim civil enclave, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on September 15, 2023, expanded air connectivity for residents of Seemanchal and neighbouring districts.
Choudhary said the airport currently operates 10 daily flights, which he described as an indication of increasing passenger demand in the region. PatnaPress has not independently verified the operational flight numbers.
What the Rs 294 Crore Project Includes
The AAI tender covers the construction of:
A permanent passenger terminal building
Modern airport infrastructure
External development works, including supporting facilities
According to officials, the permanent civil enclave is intended to accommodate future growth in passenger traffic and improve airport operations.
The Airports Authority of India has not yet announced a timeline for awarding the contract or completing construction.
Government Says Project Will Support Regional Growth
The Bihar government said improved airport infrastructure could strengthen connectivity between Seemanchal and other parts of the country, making travel more accessible for passengers and businesses.
Officials also said the project is expected to support sectors including tourism, trade and investment while creating employment opportunities during and after construction.
These projections reflect the government’s expectations for the project and will depend on its implementation and future passenger demand.
Deputy Chief Minister Welcomes AAI Tender
Sharing the development on social media platform X, Samrat Choudhary thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what he described as continued support for infrastructure development in Bihar.
He said the decision to move ahead with a permanent civil enclave represents the next stage in the airport’s expansion and reflects coordination between the Bihar government and the Centre.
What’s Next
With the EPC tender now issued, the project will move into the contractor selection phase before construction begins.
Once completed, the permanent civil enclave is expected to provide Purnia Airport with upgraded passenger facilities and greater operational capacity, potentially strengthening air connectivity across Seemanchal and north-eastern Bihar.
