The Big Lift: Bihar’s Multi-Airport Mega-Expansion

Bihar is accelerating a major expansion of its aviation infrastructure, with multiple airport projects underway to improve regional connectivity, boost tourism, support trade, and drive economic growth.

The strategy focuses on upgrading existing airports while developing new greenfield facilities, particularly in north and eastern Bihar, to reduce congestion at Patna and enable more direct air connectivity.

A key project is the development of Raxaul Airport in East Champaran near the India–Nepal border. This brownfield project is being positioned as a strategic hub for cross-border movement with Birgunj in Nepal. Around 139 acres have been identified for expansion, with nearly one-third already acquired. The state government has released approximately ₹208 crore for land acquisition. Plans include extending the runway to 2,360 metres to accommodate larger aircraft such as Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, while also enabling emergency landings by Indian Air Force aircraft.

At Darbhanga Airport, operational since 2020, expansion work is progressing to manage increasing passenger traffic. Land acquisition for runway extension is nearing completion, and construction of a new permanent terminal worth ₹572 crore is underway, with completion targeted for November 2026. The upgraded terminal will feature modern passenger amenities, and a cargo hub has also been approved.

The state cabinet has cleared a ₹138-crore cargo hub and aerocity project near Darbhanga, spanning around 50 acres. This will include logistics infrastructure, a domestic air cargo terminal, and related facilities. Work on apron, taxiway, and other airside infrastructure is also advancing.

In north Bihar, efforts are underway to revive Muzaffarpur Airport at Patahi. Tenders have been issued for upgrades to support Code-2B aircraft. One package, valued at about ₹43 crore, covers runway, taxiway, and apron works, while another ₹28 crore package includes a prefabricated terminal, an air traffic control tower, and a fire station.

Similarly, Birpur Airport in Supaul is being developed as a Code-2B facility. The terminal tender has been finalised, and the runway tender is expected soon. The project includes a prefabricated terminal, a pre-engineered ATC tower, a fire station, and associated infrastructure under EPC mode.

Officials confirmed that land acquisition for both Muzaffarpur and Birpur airports has been approved by the state cabinet, and the process of appointing an agency to prepare detailed project reports (DPRs) is nearing completion.

Alongside these upgrades, Bihar is also planning greenfield airports, including a proposed international airport at Sonepur in Saran district spread over more than 4,200 acres, with ₹1,302 crore sanctioned for land acquisition. Another airport is proposed at Sultanganj in Bhagalpur.

Additionally, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has floated a ₹35 crore tender to upgrade Sahara Airport, aimed at enabling Code-2B aircraft operations, with a planned completion timeline of 450 days.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.