Bihar Government has formalised an agreement with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to develop six new regional airports across the state under the UDAN scheme. With an initial investment of ₹150 crore, this project is set to connect remote regions like Madhubani, Supaul, Munger, and Saharsa with faster air travel, aligning with India’s goal of expanding aviation access to underserved areas by 2047.
The memorandum of understanding, signed at Bihar Niwas in New Delhi, outlines a shared commitment to expanding Bihar’s aviation footprint through the phased development of civil enclaves, basic passenger facilities, and supporting infrastructure. The collaboration brings together AAI’s technical expertise with the state’s regional focus, aiming to build sustainable transport nodes that can support scheduled 19-seater aircraft operations. Senior officials involved in the project indicated that site feasibility assessments and technical appraisals would begin shortly to determine the scope and timelines for terminal and runway development. The airports are strategically located to support both mobility and economic growth across north and central Bihar. Regions like Valmikinagar and Muzaffarpur are seen as future tourism and trade gateways, while Munger and Saharsa hold potential as administrative and regional business hubs. Officials involved in planning said the project will catalyse local job creation, reduce pressure on congested road and rail networks, and connect people in remote districts to national opportunities in education, healthcare, and employment.
By investing in secondary airports, the initiative seeks to realign aviation development with decentralised growth. The design model for these regional hubs includes modest passenger terminals, ATC towers, and basic service infrastructure that can scale with demand. Aviation planners pointed out that such airports, once operational, can also support medical evacuation, regional cargo movement, and seasonal tourism. This agreement also complements Bihar’s broader aviation development plans. Alongside the regional push, the state is pursuing runway upgrades in Darbhanga, capacity expansion at Patna’s Jay Prakash Narayan Airport, and a greenfield terminal project at Bihta aimed at decongesting the capital’s air traffic. Together, these projects reflect a comprehensive vision to integrate air travel into Bihar’s mobility matrix and economic development roadmap.
Transport experts have welcomed the MoU as a long-overdue intervention for a state whose citizens rely heavily on road and rail travel. They note that Bihar’s population density and development lag make air connectivity not only a logistical solution but a socio-economic equaliser. With the right operational planning and airline partnerships, these airports could transform regional travel and stimulate rural economies. Environmental planners have also highlighted the potential for sustainable airport design under the UDAN model. Smaller terminals powered by renewable energy, low-carbon materials, and efficient water use systems could set new benchmarks for regional aviation. AAI’s emphasis on environment-sensitive planning is expected to be integrated from the design stage, aligning the project with net-zero goals for public infrastructure.
While funding for phase one has been committed, the operationalisation of these airports will require further state-centre coordination to secure airline routes, ensure passenger demand, and offer last-mile connectivity. Officials indicated that demand aggregation, seasonal route subsidies, and integration with bus and rail services would be explored to ensure commercial viability. Additionally, local airport authorities will be trained to manage safety, security, and passenger handling under regulatory norms. This strategic push to strengthen Bihar’s aviation footprint mirrors national ambitions to achieve equitable growth through connectivity. By targeting smaller cities that have long remained off the aviation map, the initiative not only boosts physical access but also symbolises inclusive development in the post-pandemic era.
The real challenge, say aviation analysts, lies in timely execution. Past regional airport projects across India have suffered delays due to land acquisition hurdles, regulatory bottlenecks, and low initial ridership. However, officials involved in this programme assert that with early coordination, transparent procurement, and phased construction, Bihar’s airports can become operational within three to five years. For many towns included in this initiative, it marks the first step toward breaking isolation and attracting wider investments. From enabling youth mobility to facilitating faster goods movement, the social and economic multiplier effect of air connectivity is significant. In a state where infrastructure gaps remain acute, the project could redefine what equitable development looks like on the ground.
The Bihar Government’s partnership with AAI thus signals more than just airport development—it reflects a shift toward inclusive infrastructure planning that prioritises regional resilience, climate-smart design, and social accessibility. If implemented successfully, it could become a model for other underserved states aiming to balance growth with connectivity.
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