Bihar’s Cabinet has unanimously approved an MoU with the Airports Authority of India to develop six regional airports under the UDAN scheme—covering Madhubani, Birpur, Munger, Valmikinagar, Muzaffarpur, and Saharsa—with each facility allocated ₹25 crore from a ₹150 crore funding package This move aims to enhance regional connectivity, ease travel time, and boost economic development across the state’s hinterlands.
In a parallel move to strengthen aviation infrastructure, the Cabinet also slashed the Value Added Tax on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) from 29% to 4%, making refuelling more affordable at Patna airport. This policy shift is expected to attract more airlines to operate regional flights, bringing Bihar on par with neighbouring states . The MoU authorises AAI, in collaboration with Bihar’s Directorate of Aviation, to undertake detailed feasibility studies, land surveys, and develop runways, navigation aids, and terminal facilities. An official from the Cabinet Secretariat emphasised that these airports—once operational—will significantly decrease travel time, spark job creation, and facilitate easier access to healthcare and education for rural populations.
A fresh terminal inaugurated this May at Patna airport, capable of accommodating one crore passengers annually, and the foundation stone for a ₹1,410 crore civil enclave at Bihta airport, signal Bihar’s broader focus on aviation-led economic growth. Beyond airports, the Cabinet approved several other developmental initiatives: extension of contracts for 1,717 ex-servicemen in the Special Auxiliary Police, reforms in educational recruitment, a land transfer of 70.5 acres for an industrial zone in Saran district, and procurement reforms benefiting pulses and oilseeds—all of which reflect the state’s strategy for holistic infrastructure and social progress.
Officials frame the UDAN airports as tools for decentralising economic activity and enabling equitable urbanisation. Regional planners argue that air connectivity to these districts will amplify tourism, facilitate perishable goods exports, and reduce migration pressure on metropolitan hubs—all contributing to more balanced, gender‑neutral development. With assembly elections approaching, the Cabinet’s sudden move to bolster connectivity infrastructure demonstrates a targeted political strategy. Yet analysts note that such investments, if followed through, could anchor Bihar’s aviation ecosystem in a manner that extends well beyond electoral cycles. Though ₹150 crore is allocated upfront, many hurdles remain. Acquisition of land in tribal and rural areas often encounters local resistance or legal delays. Coordination with AAI and Civil Aviation Ministry will be essential to finalise site layouts, environmental approvals, and tender processes.
The success of UDAN reforms also hinges on attracting regular flight services and ensuring affordability for end users. Greater regional air connectivity aligns with Bihar’s broader urban planning goals, including multimodal mobility, environmental stewardship, and equitable access. While execution risks persist—especially around land acquisition, ecosystem readiness, and operational viability—the Cabinet’s decisions mark a significant stride in transforming Bihar’s transport and economic landscape.
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