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Cabinet nod to DPR for two greenfield airports in Bihar

Bihar's state cabinet approved appointing RITES Ltd to prepare detailed project reports for two greenfield airports at Sonepur and Ajgaibinath Dham, with a consultancy fee of ₹5.06 crore and administrative approval. The DPRs, master plans, and related support aim to advance regional connectivity under UDAN and facilitate tendering and implementation. This aligns with a broader push for smaller-airport development and UDAN-driven expansion in Bihar.

Why It Matters

If realized, the new airports could boost regional connectivity, tourism, and economic growth, while enhancing disaster management and last-mile access in flood-prone areas.

Timeline

7 Events

Cabinet nod for DPRs for Sonepur and Ajgaibinath Dham airports

April 22, 2026

The Bihar cabinet approved appointing RITES Ltd to prepare detailed project reports (DPRs) for two greenfield airports at Sonepur in Saran district and Ajgaibinath Dham in Bhagalpur, sanctioning ₹5.06 crore as consultancy fee and granting administrative approval for the consultancy. The agency will prepare master plans, DPRs, assist in securing in-principle approvals from the Union civil aviation ministry, and provide end-to-end technical and consultancy support for tendering and implementation.

AAI tender for Saharsa airport terminal and infrastructure

April 21, 2026

AAI issued a ₹35.14-crore tender for construction of a terminal building and allied infrastructure at Saharsa airport, to upgrade the facility to handle Code-2B aircraft under EPC mode, with a 450-day completion timeline.

Tender for Birpur airport development

March 11, 2026

AAI issued a ₹36.38-crore tender for the development of Birpur airport in Supaul district.

Tender for Valmikinagar airport terminal and related infrastructure

March 10, 2026

AAI published a ₹38.64-crore tender for the construction of a terminal building and associated infrastructure at Valmikinagar airport in West Champaran.

Tender for Patahi airport development and upgrade (Muzaffarpur district)

February 13, 2026

AAI floated a ₹43.13-crore tender for the development and upgradation of the terminal building and runway at Patahi airport in Muzaffarpur district.

MoU with Airports Authority of India to develop four airports

June 2025

The state signed a memorandum of understanding with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in June 2025 to develop four airports — Birpur, Valmikinagar, Muzaffarpur and Saharsa.

Bihar cabinet approves pre-feasibility studies for six potential regional airports

2024

The Bihar cabinet approved pre-feasibility studies for six potential regional airports — Birpur, Valmikinagar, Muzaffarpur, Saharsa, Madhubani and Munger — to assess land availability, runway feasibility and infrastructure needs.