Residents of North Bihar have received a significant update regarding air connectivity in their region. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has officially issued a tender worth over 43 crore rupees for the development of the Muzaffarpur Airport, also known as Patahi Airport. This move is part of the central government’s UDAN scheme, aimed at making air travel accessible to common citizens. The project focuses on building the necessary infrastructure to handle commercial flights, which has been a long-standing demand of the local population.
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What is included in the 43 crore tender?
The specific value of the tender is 43.13 crore rupees. This fund is allocated for the ‘airside infrastructure’ required to make the airport operational. The scope of work involves the construction and strengthening of the runway to support aircraft landings and takeoffs. Along with the runway, the contractor will build a taxiway and a new apron that will feature parking bays for two aircraft.
This development is designed to upgrade the airport to handle Code-2B category aircraft, which are typically smaller 19-seater planes suitable for regional connectivity. The project also includes essential safety features like a perimeter road, an emergency access road, and a Runway End Safety Area (RESA).
When will the construction be completed?
According to the official document released on February 13, 2026, the construction timeline is strictly defined. Once the contract is awarded, the selected agency will have 365 days, or roughly 11 months, to complete the work. The timeline for the bidding process is as follows:
- Bid Submission Deadline: March 6, 2026
- Bid Opening Date: March 12, 2026
- Expected Completion: Early 2027
Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary mentioned that this project is a gift from the double-engine government, aimed at reducing the dependency on Patna and Darbhanga airports for people in this region.
How will this benefit North Bihar?
The revival of Muzaffarpur Airport is expected to be a game-changer for several districts, including Sitamarhi, Sheohar, Vaishali, and East and West Champaran. Currently, residents from these areas travel long distances to Patna or Darbhanga to catch flights. A functional airport in Muzaffarpur will save significant travel time.
Union Minister of State Dr. Rajbhushan Choudhary highlighted that this airport will also serve as a commercial hub. It is expected to facilitate the export of the famous Shahi Lychee of Muzaffarpur, providing farmers with better access to national markets. Local trade bodies have welcomed the move as the project shifts from planning on paper to actual work on the ground.
