News Brief
Bihar Cabinet Gives Go-Ahead For Multiple Airport Projects; AAI To Conduct Feasibility Studies
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The Bihar government has given its nod to a series of major aviation initiatives aimed at expanding air connectivity and facilities in the state.
The decisions were taken by the Bihar Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
As part of the approvals, the Cabinet sanctioned a pre-feasibility study for airports at Motihari, Chhapra, and Bhagalpur to be carried out by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), New Delhi.
The authority has been nominated under sub-clause-iii of Rule 131 (e) (g) of the Bihar Finance (Amendment) Rules-2024.
An advance payment of Rs 1.21 crore, including GST, has been approved as the study fee.
In a significant step forward, administrative approval has also been granted for compensation amounting to Rs 472.72 crore for the acquisition of 931 acres of land for the construction of the Bhagalpur Greenfield Airport under the Sultanganj zone.
Additionally, the government sanctioned compensation of Rs 147.76 crore for acquiring over 12 acres of land to extend the runway of the existing airport in Saharsa district.
Meanwhile, Muzaffarpur has received a boost with AAI beginning the tender process for developing its airport. The project includes a 1,050 metre long, 30 metre wide runway, two aprons, and a 1,250 sqm terminal building.
Small aircrafts can already operate on the existing land, but additional land will be needed to fully develop the current airport structure under the master plan, which envisions larger aircraft landings and expanded facilities.
