Author: Bihar Say | Amrita |

Bihar’s Aviation Boom: AAI Kicks Off Action for 3 Greenfield Airports!

Bihar is set to take a giant leap in aviation! With the recent announcement of three Greenfield Airports in Rajgir, Bhagalpur, and Sonpur, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has already started taking action. A survey team will arrive in Rajgir on February 6 to conduct a seven-day feasibility study, marking a crucial step in Bihar’s journey toward enhanced air connectivity.

AAI Takes Swift Action on Bihar’s Greenfield Airports

The announcement of three new Greenfield Airports in Bihar has triggered swift action from the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

• The survey team will reach Rajgir on February 6 to map the airfield area, analyze obstructions, and suggest necessary modifications.
• A preliminary survey took place last November in Rajgir, identifying approximately 1,200 acres near Silao in Nalanda.
• Land acquisition remains pending, but the process will begin once AAI finalizes the Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) survey findings.
• After Rajgir, similar surveys will take place for Sonpur and Bhagalpur, ensuring systematic planning for each location.

Strategic Locations & Land Acquisition Progress

Each proposed airport will cater to a different region, enhancing Bihar’s regional connectivity:

• Rajgir Greenfield Airport: Located 90 km from Patna, a key location for tourism and economic growth.
• Bhagalpur Greenfield Airport: The survey will determine land availability, which is crucial for development.
• Sonpur Greenfield Airport: The identified land lies just 4 km from the Hajipur-Chhapra four-lane highway and about 20-25 km from Patna, making it a strategically viable choice.

What’s Happening with Patna & Bihta Airports?

Bihar’s aviation expansion doesn’t stop at Greenfield Airports:

• Patna Airport Expansion: A ₹1,216.90 crore project is underway, including a new terminal, multi-level parking, and extended passenger capacity from 3 lakh to 10 lakh per year.
• Bihta Airport: Authorities are developing it as a Brownfield project, soon serving as an alternative to Patna Airport.

Political Push & Policy Considerations

Rajiv Pratap Rudy, BJP MP from Saran, played a crucial role in identifying 1,200 acres for the Sonpur Greenfield Airport. He emphasized that the state government should propose a clear model for development, suggesting two possible approaches:

1. The state acquires land and transfers it to the Center for free, allowing AAI to develop infrastructure.
2. A Public-Private Partnership (PPP), where the state acts as a facilitator for private investment.

Why Greenfield Airports Matter for Bihar?

With only three operational civil aerodromes (Patna, Gaya, and Darbhanga), Bihar needs stronger aviation infrastructure to support tourism, business, and regional development.

• Purnia, currently a defense airbase, is also being converted for civilian use, with tenders already issued for a civil enclave.
• These developments promise seamless air travel, better business opportunities, and a significant economic boost for the state.

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