Bihar to Get Six New Airports: Cabinet Approves ₹150 Crore Plan to Boost Regional Connectivity

In a major fillip to air connectivity in Bihar, the state cabinet, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has approved a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the construction of six new small airports under the Centre's UDAN scheme. The airports will be constructed at Madhubani, Birpur (Supaul), Munger, Valmikinagar (Bettiah), Muzaffarpur, and Saharsa at a total budgetary outlay of ₹150 crore—₹25 crore per airport.

 

Key Highlights:

 

•⁠  ⁠The project will enhance air connectivity to small towns, inducing economic growth and enhancing connectivity in Bihar.

 

•⁠  ⁠The venture is part of the state's broader infrastructure push, along with other schemes like the Patna Metro and industrial area expansions.

 

•⁠  ⁠The government sanctioned farmer-friendly policies with minimum support prices for oilseed and pulses, and bolstered education and security departments.

 

•⁠  ⁠The airports will supply critical infrastructure for business operations, tourism, and regional development, in line with the government's strategy of balanced development.

 

Prospect:

The six new airports will alter the regional transport dynamics of Bihar, reducing travel time and the potential for investment. The move will spur the state's peripheral districts to socio-economic development, making air travel affordable and accessible to more individuals.

 

Source: Times of India, The Print, NDTV