The Bihar government has taken a significant step towards improving air connectivity in the state by approving the construction of a new greenfield airport in Sonpur. The administration has officially granted a sanction of Rs 1,302 crore to acquire the necessary land for this project. This development is expected to change the face of the Saran district, bringing new jobs and easier travel options for the common people.
Project details and land acquisition
According to recent reports, the new airport will be built on a massive area of 4,228 acres in the Sonpur region of Saran district. The state government has cleared the financial path by approving Rs 1,302 crore specifically for land acquisition. Saran MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy has been instrumental in coordinating with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to move this proposal forward. This new facility aims to reduce the heavy passenger load on the Patna airport and serve the growing population in the surrounding districts.
Timeline of approvals and construction
The project has received green signals from multiple levels of government. The Union Budget presented on February 1, 2025, gave in-principle approval for the airport. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol later confirmed this development in the Rajya Sabha. With the administrative sanction now in place, the local authorities are moving ahead with the land acquisition process to ensure the project starts on time.
Benefits for local residents and tourism
Once the airport becomes operational, it will open up direct air travel for people living in Hajipur, Chhapra, and nearby areas. The project promises to generate employment during the construction phase and later in airport operations. It will also be a major boost for tourism, making it easier for visitors to attend the famous Sonepur Mela. In addition to the airport, the Sonepur railway station is also undergoing a redevelopment worth Rs 24 crore, ensuring that the entire transport network in the region gets a modern upgrade.
