West Champaran: Administrative efforts to expand Valmikinagar Airport, located near the India-Nepal border, have gained momentum. On Thursday, ADM Rajeev Ranjan Sinha and senior district officials visited the airport to inspect the site and address obstacles delaying the project. Authorities noted that the current land is insufficient for terminal and runway development, with an additional 18 acres required.
Officials said steps are underway to acquire private land adjacent to the airport. Discussions with landowners are ongoing, and if agreements are reached, the government will acquire the land at four times the Minimum Valuation Rate. The acquisition includes approximately 12 acres of private land, six acres of government land, and potentially some forest department property.
Residents of Valmikinagar, who have long awaited air connectivity, welcomed the progress. The airport initially received a runway during the construction of the Gandak Barrage, but regular flights have yet to commence. With expansion, the region is expected to gain convenient access to distant cities, enhancing both passenger travel and regional development.
Officials also met with landowners at the airport lounge to explain the land transfer process and ensure smooth acquisition. Once complete, the airport will be capable of handling 19-seater aircraft. Its proximity to the international border will also allow fighter jets to land in emergencies. Present at the inspection were District Land Acquisition Officer Amarendra Kumar, DCLR Anjalika Kriti, Additional District Land Acquisition Officer B.N. Rai, Block Development Officer Bidu Kumar, and other staff from the Land Acquisition Department.
