Patna: District Magistrate Dr Thiyagarajan S.M. and Nilesh Ramchandra Deore, Special Secretary of the Cabinet Secretariat Department and Director of the Directorate of Civil Aviation, conducted a joint inspection of the Patna Airport area, including the Phulwarisharif railway crossing and Patna zoo on Saturday to review proposals linked to its long-awaited expansion. The visit comes amid increasing concerns over operational challenges at one of Bihar’s busiest airports.
Senior officials from various departments participated in the site inspection. A formal decision on the proposed expansion is expected to be taken soon, officials said.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) after the inspection, Deore noted, “When multiple stakeholders like Railways, AAI, and the State Forest Department are involved, long-pending issues naturally require careful coordination. Quick solutions aren’t always easy—but progress depends on sustained effort.”
When multiple stakeholders like Railways, AAI, and the State Forest Department are involved, long-pending issues naturally require careful coordination. Quick solutions aren’t always easy—but progress depends on sustained effort. https://t.co/IK36JKKvqb
— Nilesh Deore (@nildeoreIAS) June 14, 2025
Patna Airport, which handles more than 30 flights daily, is grappling with several long-standing safety and infrastructure issues. The airport’s constrained location—wedged between the Patna-Gaya railway line and the city zoo—presents unique operational challenges.
Among the most pressing concerns is the railway line running close to the runway, with high-tension wires posing a hazard during landings. Pilots have reported difficulty during low visibility conditions, particularly at night. The glare from vehicle headlights on roads near the airport further complicates safe navigation during descent.
Another major obstacle is the historic clock tower at the Old Secretariat. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has designated it a permanent obstruction. Consequently, the glide path angle for aircraft landing in Patna has been adjusted to 2.5%, as opposed to the standard 2%, increasing the complexity of landings.
Bird strikes also remain a persistent issue, raising further concerns about aviation safety.
Sources indicate that a crucial high-level meeting is scheduled for Monday to further assess the current challenges and explore potential solutions.
The airport expansion plan is expected to involve land acquisition, shifting of nearby infrastructure, and realignment of certain services to enhance safety and capacity. However, its implementation hinges on navigating a complex web of bureaucratic and logistical hurdles.
