Patna: Sonepur in Bihar is set to see a series of major infrastructure projects, with a proposed greenfield airport and Hariharnath corridor emerging as two key components of the development plan for the region.
The projects were discussed during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, in which MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy also participated. The proposed projects are expected to focus on connectivity, tourism and economic development in and around Sonepur.
Where Is The Proposed Sonepur Airport Planned?
According to the project details discussed at the meeting, the proposed Sonepur greenfield airport is planned in Dariyapur Chaur, west of the Gandak river and north of the Sonepur-Chhapra four-lane National Highway.
The proposed airport is expected to have a runway of around 4,200 metres. Project proponents have said the facility would be developed to international standards and designed to accommodate large aircraft.
However, the claim that it would rank as the country’s fifth-largest greenfield airport would need to be assessed against the final project specifications and other airport developments.
New Bridges To Improve Patna Connectivity
The proposed airport is also being linked to wider connectivity improvements between Sonepur and Patna.
Two new six-lane bridges are being developed to strengthen road connectivity in the region. These include a bridge parallel to the JP Ganga Path-Digha-Sonepur corridor and the Sherpur-Dighwara bridge.
Improved road connectivity, combined with the proposed airport, could provide Sonepur with stronger links to Patna and other parts of Bihar.
Hariharnath Corridor To Focus On Tourism
The proposed Hariharnath corridor is another major component of the Sonepur development plan.
The corridor is planned around the Hariharnath Temple, one of the region’s iprominent religious sites. According to the project proposal, around Rs 680 crore is expected to be spent on its development.
Officials and project proponents expect the corridor to improve facilities for visitors and strengthen Sonepur’s tourism potential.
Tourism And Local Economy In Focus
The proposed corridor is expected to support tourism-related activity around Sonepur and the Hariharnath temple.
The government has indicated that improved infrastructure could attract more visitors and create opportunities for local businesses and employment. The scale of these economic benefits, however, will depend on the implementation of the projects and the growth of visitor infrastructure.
Ring Road And Satellite Township Also Planned
The development plan extends beyond the airport and temple corridor.
Projects including the Sonepur-Digha bridge, a ring road and a satellite township have also been discussed as part of the broader infrastructure push.
Together, these projects are intended to improve internal connectivity and support planned urban expansion around Sonepur.
What The Projects Could Mean For Sonepur
The combination of an airport, improved road connectivity, tourism infrastructure and planned urban development could significantly alter Sonepur’s role within the wider Patna region.
For the projects to deliver their proposed benefits, however, land acquisition, construction, connectivity planning and phased implementation will remain important next steps.
The development proposals are expected to be taken forward through detailed planning and project implementation by the concerned departments and agencies.
