Bihar Govt New Policy: Bihar to get 4 New Airports in Gopalganj, Begusarai, Chapra and Bhagalpur

Bihar is set for a major expansion in air connectivity with the identification of four new airport locations and the introduction of international flights from existing hubs. The Central and State governments have identified Gopalganj, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, and Chhapra for development under the Regional Connectivity Scheme. This initiative aims to make air travel accessible to more people by ensuring an airport is available within a 200 km radius of every town in the state.

Current Status of New Airport Projects in Bihar

The Bihar government has already initiated land acquisition and feasibility studies for several sites. A large Greenfield International Airport is planned in Sonepur, Saran district, which is expected to cover over 4,000 acres and handle heavy aircraft like the Airbus A380 by the year 2030. In Bhagalpur, the government has approved the acquisition of 931 acres in the Sultanganj zone for a new airport project. Funds have also been released to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for pre-feasibility studies at the Sabeya airfield in Gopalganj and the Ulao site in Begusarai.

Direct International Flights and Upcoming Functional Airports

To boost global connectivity, Bihar is inviting bids for direct international flights from Patna and Gaya to destinations such as Bangkok, Kathmandu, Sharjah, and Singapore. The state government has significantly reduced VAT on aviation turbine fuel from 29% to 4% to attract more airlines. In addition to the existing operational airports in Patna, Gaya, and Darbhanga, three more airports in Purnia, Bihta, and Raxaul are expected to become functional within the next three years.