Saharsa: In a major boost to regional air connectivity in Bihar, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has issued a tender worth Rs 35.14 crore for the development and upgradation of the existing Saharsa airport. The initiative falls under the central government’s ambitious UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme and will facilitate the operation of Code-2B type aircraft.
The development was officially highlighted by Dr. Nilesh Ramchandra Deore, Secretary of the Department of Tourism, Government of Bihar, who also holds charge of the state’s Civil Aviation Department.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) to share the milestone, Dr. Deore stated, “Following Muzaffarpur, Valmiki Nagar, and Birpur (Supaul), the airport located in Saharsa is the fourth small airport owned by the state government.” He further emphasized the cooperative nature of the project, adding that, “All these airports are being developed with the support of the state government in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation for the operation of 2B aircraft.”
According to the official tender document published on April 21, 2026, the comprehensive infrastructure project will be executed on an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) mode. The core scope of work involves the construction of a pre-fabricated steel structure terminal building. Additionally, the project includes the erection of a pre-engineered Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, a pre-engineered fire station, and other associated support buildings.
The stipulated period of work for the chosen contractor is 450 days, indicating that the new facilities are expected to be operational within a year and a half of the contract being awarded.
A pre-bid meeting for prospective contractors is scheduled to be held on May 6, 2026, at the Mediation Hall of the Air India Building in New Delhi. Interested bidders must submit their proposals by 6:00 PM on June 8, 2026, with the official bid opening slated for June 16, 2026.
This rapid infrastructural push is expected to finally put Saharsa on the national aviation map, promoting local economic growth, boosting regional tourism, and providing much-needed air connectivity to the broader Kosi region.
