Bihar Approves Land Acquisition for Airport Expansion and Infrastructure Projects
The Bihar Cabinet has given the green light to the expansion of Darbhanga and Raxaul airports. The state government has approved the acquisition of land for both airports, marking a significant step towards enhancing air travel in the region and boosting economic activities in Bihar.
The Bihar Cabinet has sanctioned the acquisition of 89.75 acres of land worth Rs 244.60 crore for the development of Darbhanga Airport. This expansion is part of a broader effort to transform the existing airport into an international facility. According to S Siddharth, Additional Chief Secretary, the expansion will significantly improve air connectivity, benefiting the entire Mithila region and its surrounding areas. Previously, in 2024, the state government had transferred 76.85 acres of land to the Airport Authority of India (AAI) for the development of a new civil enclave at Darbhanga, which will include a terminal building, cargo complex, multi-level car parking, fire station, and other essential structures. The expanded airport will provide a range of modern amenities for travellers, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable experience. The state’s efforts to upgrade the airport are expected to bolster both tourism and business in the region, fostering economic growth and providing improved accessibility to key national and international destinations.
Along with Darbhanga, the Cabinet also approved the acquisition of 139 acres of land for the expansion of Raxaul Airport, valued at Rs 207 crore. Raxaul, strategically located on the border with Nepal, is expected to see increased traffic and become an important regional hub. The development of this airport is anticipated to have a positive impact on the local economy by facilitating smoother trade and movement of people across the Indo-Nepal border. The expansion of Raxaul Airport, being developed by the AAI, is expected to improve infrastructure and create opportunities for economic activities in the region. By enhancing air connectivity, it will also serve as a vital link for cross-border trade and tourism, boosting both local and national economic growth.
Beyond the airport developments, the Bihar Cabinet also approved the acquisition of 1,243 acres of land for industrial parks in Vaishali district (worth Rs 1,001.92 crore) and 504.52 acres in Sitamarhi (valued at Rs 298.77 crore). These industrial parks will play a crucial role in creating jobs, improving infrastructure, and providing a foundation for future business growth in Bihar. To improve traffic management, the Cabinet has also approved the installation of CCTV cameras and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras at 72 important crossings across 26 districts. This initiative aims to curb traffic violations and enhance safety across the state.
The approval of these infrastructure projects signals a strong commitment to modernising Bihar’s transport and industrial sectors. The airport expansions, in particular, are poised to revolutionise air travel and economic activity, offering greater connectivity for both business and leisure. For local residents, the creation of industrial parks promises to bring in new opportunities for employment and growth, making Bihar an increasingly attractive destination for investment and development. As Bihar works to expand its infrastructure, the state is positioning itself for an economic transformation, one that will benefit its citizens and improve overall connectivity. These developments are expected to enhance the quality of life for locals while also offering a more efficient, modern travel experience for visitors.
