Bihar is set to hold the Assembly polls later this year and the impact of this can already be seen in the state’s focus on its first flagship project. According to The Indian Express report, the Centre has sanctioned Rs 459 crore for an airport that is to be built in the suburbs of Bihar‘s Patna. This comes after the Centre announced a range of initiatives for the state in its Budget 2025-26.
New airport at Bihta – Cost, accessibility and launch date
The airport is reported to be built on a site that houses the Indian Air Force base. The state has already secured 108 acres of land. This is going to be the second airport in Patna which will be at a distance of 25 kms from the main city.
The Airport Authority of India issued a letter of intent to a Russian company which has been awarded the Bihta project. The letter mentions that the Russian company would be responsible for developing a new civil enclave at Bihta and will also construct a new integrated terminal building, utility building, elevated road and airport and IT system. All of this includes in the Rs 459 crore provided for the project.
The construction of the elevated road from Danapur to Bihta is expected to reduce the travel time significantly.
Although there is no official announcement on when the airport would be launching, it is expected to be ready for operations by the end of 2026. It will likely expand the existing capacity of the Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna.