Bihar Aviation Infra Update: To Boost Air Connectivity Of Patna, Centre Approves Rs 459 Crore Bihta Airport Project

In a major step towards fulfilling its Budget commitments ahead of the state assembly elections, the Centre has sanctioned Bihar’s first flagship project—a new airport at Bihta, located on the outskirts of Patna, according to a report by Indian Express.

The project, valued at Rs 459 crore, marks a significant investment in the state’s aviation infrastructure and is expected to bolster air connectivity in the region.

Less than a month after the announcement of a brownfield airport at Bihta, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has awarded the contract to M/S Joint Stock Company “Industrial Association,” a prominent construction firm from Saint Petersburg, Russia.

According to a letter of intent issued by AAI on 14 February, the company will be responsible for developing a new civil enclave, constructing an integrated terminal building, a utility complex, an elevated road, and installing advanced airport and IT systems.

The new airport, located 25 km from Patna, is expected to ease the growing pressure on the existing Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport and facilitate the operation of larger aircraft. Officials anticipate its completion by the end of 2026.

The project forms part of a broader infrastructure push in Bihar, which includes the expansion of Patna’s existing airport and the development of multiple greenfield airports.

To further enhance accessibility, an elevated road from Danapur to Bihta is already under construction, aiming to significantly reduce travel time to the airport.

An official noted, “An airport at Bihta will boost air connectivity not just for Patna but also for neighbouring cities of Bhojpur, Saran and Buxar. The upcoming elevated corridor in Bihar – the longest in the state yet – would further boost commercial activities along the 20-km route.”

The airport will be built on a site that currently houses an Indian Air Force base. The state government has already secured 108 acres of land for the project, though concerns remain regarding the Air Force’s control over the airport’s operations and land acquisition for an extended runway.

A JD(U) leader expressed reservations, stating, “Some villages are still coming in way of its extended runway.”

Meanwhile, sources of IE indicate that one of the proposed new greenfield airports in Bihar will be developed as an international hub near Patna, while domestic greenfield airports are likely to be established in Rajgir, Bhagalpur, and a yet-to-be-decided location in north Bihar.