:
Breaking News

Bihar Airport Expansion: Survey to Be Conducted in 4 Districts, AAI Team from Delhi to Inspect Sites

top-news
https://maannews.acnoo.com/public/frontend/img/header-adds/adds.jpg

Airports Authority of India (AAI) will conduct a survey in Bihar’s Motihari, Bhagalpur, Gopalganj, and Chhapra. The study will assess runway expansion and feasibility under the UDAN scheme.

Bihar is set to witness a significant step forward in improving its air connectivity, as preparations begin for the expansion and development of airports in four key districts—Motihari (East Champaran), Bhagalpur, Gopalganj, and Chhapra (Saran). A high-level team from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is expected to arrive from Delhi to conduct a detailed ground survey of these proposed airport sites.

According to official sources, the AAI team will visit Bihar between 15 and 18 April. During this period, they will inspect the existing infrastructure, especially runway conditions, available land, and the scope for expansion at each location. The survey is a crucial step toward determining whether these airports can be developed for commercial operations under the central government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme.

Pre-Feasibility Study to Follow Survey

After the completion of the inspection, the AAI team will prepare a detailed pre-feasibility report. This report will be submitted to Bihar’s Civil Aviation Department. It will include technical details such as the additional land required, infrastructure upgrades needed, and the overall viability of making these airports operational for passenger flights.

This study will serve as the foundation for future development plans and funding decisions. It will also determine which of the four locations can be prioritized for early development based on feasibility and infrastructure readiness.

State Government’s Active Role

The Bihar government has already taken proactive steps to accelerate the process. According to information, the state has sent an official letter requesting that all four proposed airports be included under the UDAN scheme. Additionally, the state has already made the necessary payment to the Airports Authority of India for conducting the pre-feasibility study.

These steps indicate that both the state and central agencies are working in coordination to fast-track the development of regional air connectivity in Bihar. The initiative aims to improve transportation infrastructure, promote regional development, and boost economic activity in these districts.

Runway Details of the Four Airports

Each of the four proposed airport locations currently has different levels of infrastructure development, particularly in terms of runway length and width. These existing conditions will play a key role in determining the scale of expansion required.

In Gopalganj, the runway is approximately 6,000 feet long and 150 feet wide. This makes it relatively better positioned for future expansion and potential commercial operations. However, further upgrades will still be required to meet aviation standards.

In Motihari, the runway length is around 1,950 feet with a width of approximately 300 feet. This indicates that significant expansion work will be needed before it can support regular flight operations.

Bhagalpur has a runway length of about 3,500 feet and a width of 150 feet. While it is moderately developed, it will still require substantial improvements for commercial aviation readiness.

Chhapra’s runway stands at approximately 3,000 feet in length and 100 feet in width. Like Motihari, this site will also require major infrastructure upgrades before becoming operational.

Focus on Regional Connectivity

The primary goal of this initiative is to enhance regional air connectivity in Bihar. By developing airports in these four districts, the government aims to reduce travel time, improve accessibility, and promote economic growth in underdeveloped regions.

Improved air connectivity is also expected to boost tourism, trade, and investment opportunities in Bihar. Districts like Bhagalpur, Motihari, Gopalganj, and Chhapra have strong economic and cultural significance, and better air connectivity could further accelerate their development.

UDAN Scheme Integration

The inclusion of these airports under the UDAN scheme is a key part of the strategy. The scheme focuses on making air travel affordable and accessible to the common citizen by connecting smaller cities with major urban centers. If these airports are successfully integrated into the UDAN network, Bihar could see a major transformation in its aviation landscape.

Conclusion

The upcoming AAI survey marks an important milestone in Bihar’s aviation development plans. The findings of the pre-feasibility report will determine the future of these four proposed airports. With coordinated efforts from both the state and central government, Bihar is moving closer to strengthening its regional air connectivity and improving infrastructure in key districts.

If implemented successfully, this initiative could place Bihar on a stronger aviation map, benefiting passengers, businesses, and the overall economy of the state.

https://maannews.acnoo.com/public/frontend/img/header-adds/adds.jpg

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *