Gopalganj/Patna: The long-delayed revival of Sabeya airstrip in Bihar’s Gopalganj district may finally move forward under the Centre’s expanded regional air connectivity scheme, officials said.
The Union cabinet recently approved a modified version of the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, extending it for a decade from 2026–27 to 2035–36 with an outlay of Rs 28,840 crore. The programme aims to develop 100 airports from existing unserved airstrips to improve connectivity in smaller cities.
Officials said locations in Bihar, including Gopalganj (Sabeya), Begusarai, Bhagalpur and Chhapra, have been identified under the proposal, though final approvals are awaited.
Authorities said administrative hurdles related to land issues have largely been resolved, and preparatory work has begun, including plans to construct a boundary wall and remove encroachments.
Sabeya airstrip, spread across around 500 acres in Hathua block, dates back to 1868 when it was built during the British period. It was later used during the second world war and briefly saw activity during the 1962 India-China conflict after runway repairs.
Following independence, the site came under the control of the defence ministry but remained largely unused for decades.
In recent years, large portions of the land have been encroached upon. Officials said more than 1,000 individuals have been identified as encroachers occupying over 300 acres, and notices have been issued as part of efforts to reclaim the land.
The revival effort gained traction after the airstrip was included in the UDAN scheme, launched in 2016 to enhance regional air connectivity.
Authorities said steps are now being taken to clear land and prepare the site for development, marking a significant move towards operationalising the airstrip after decades of inactivity.
Officials added that the project is expected to boost regional connectivity, trade and tourism in the area if implemented as planned.
