Bihar News: Government of Bihar signs MoU with Airports Authority of India for development of six regional airports

The Bihar Government has signed a MoU with the Airports Authority of India to develop six new regional airports. This initiative aims to enhance air connectivity and stimulate economic growth in the state.

In a significant step towards enhancing regional air connectivity, Government of Bihar and Airports Authority of India (AAI) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of six new regional airports in the state. The signing took place at Bihar Niwas in New Delhi in the presence of Bihar Chief Secretary Shri Amrit Lal Meena (IAS) and Resident Commissioner Shri Kundan Kumar (IAS). Shri Nilesh Deora (IAS), Director, Civil Aviation, Govt. of Bihar, exchanged MoUs with AAI.

The MoU follows recent approval of the proposal by State Cabinet chaired by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar. Under which, small airports will be developed in Madhubani, Birpur (Supaul), Munger, Valmikinagar (West Champaran), Muzaffarpur, and Saharsa. A total of ₹150 crore has been sanctioned for the first phase, with ₹25 crore allocated for each airport.

Chief Secretary Shri Amrit Lal Meena said, "This MoU marks a decisive step towards strengthening regional connectivity in Bihar. It will not only enhance the state's transportation infrastructure but also open new avenues for development and investment." Resident Commissioner Shri Kundan Kumar said, "This agreement will elevate regional air services in Bihar and accelerate the synergy between the Centre and the State."

This initiative aligns with the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's Viksit Bharat vision and Government of India’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to connect underserved regions through affordable air travel. India plans to add 50 more airports in the next five years, aiming to scale up to over 350 airports by 2047. The planned airports will accommodate 19-seater aircrafts, significantly improving air access to remote parts of Bihar.

The move is poised to foster inclusive development in the state. Districts previously lacking air connectivity will witness growth in tourism, trade, and employment opportunities.