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The proposed Sonepur greenfield airport in Bihar has moved forward after receiving site clearance from the Union civil aviation ministry, with the state government initiating the tender process. Senior BJP leader and former Union minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy said the project could help Bihar develop into a major aviation hub in South Asia. Spread over more than 4,200 acres, the airport is planned with a 4.2-km runway and an estimated INR 1,302 crore earmarked for land acquisition, along with supporting road and bridge infrastructure.
The proposed Sonepur greenfield airport project has progressed after receiving site clearance from the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation, and the Bihar government has initiated the next stage of development. Senior BJP leader and former Union civil aviation minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy said the project is expected to help Bihar emerge as an important aviation hub in South Asia once completed. Advertisement
He stated that the state government, under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has already floated a Request for Quotation (RFQ) and will move ahead with the formal tendering process after completing the required in-principle approvals. He added that groundwork for connectivity had begun even before the public announcement of clearances.
According to Rudy, road and bridge infrastructure has been aligned with the airport plan. The expansion of JP Setu to six lanes is intended to improve connectivity between North Bihar and the proposed airport site in Sonepur. He also referred to the Dighwara-Sherpur bridge, the Bakarpur- Dumariya Ghat road project and the North Ring Road from Dighwara, which are being developed to provide smoother access to the airport region. These links are expected to reduce travel time from surrounding districts and strengthen regional integration.
The airport site, located in the Dariyapur Chawar area between Hajipur and Dumaria, spans over 4,200 acres. The Bihar Cabinet has approved the project and allocated INR 1,302 crore for land acquisition. The proposed runway length is around 4.2 kilometres, which would allow operations of wide-body and Code-E category aircraft. This technical capacity is significant as it would enable direct long-haul international connectivity instead of limiting the airport to narrow-body domestic aircraft.
Rudy said that the project had received approval from the Centre several years ago, but progress depended on land availability and state-level facilitation. He indicated that pre-feasibility studies and initial surveys were completed in a shorter time than usual, helping the project move toward execution.
He further stated that efforts are being made to seek commitments from international airlines to operate from the proposed airport once it becomes operational. He also pointed out that Bihar has potential to develop aviation training facilities in the coming years so that students from the state do not have to travel abroad for pilot training. The long runway and planned infrastructure, he said, would support such activities in addition to passenger operations.
The project is being positioned not only as an aviation facility but also as part of a broader regional development plan. Improved air connectivity is expected to benefit trade, tourism, and business movement in North Bihar and adjoining areas. The government's focus on parallel road infrastructure suggests an integrated planning approach rather than a standalone airport development.
Source PTI
FAQ
1. What is the current status of the Sonepur greenfield airport project?
The proposed Sonepur greenfield airport has moved ahead after receiving site clearance from the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation. The Bihar government has initiated the development process by floating a Request for Quotation (RFQ) and is expected to proceed with formal tendering after obtaining in-principle approvals. The project has also received Bihar Cabinet approval, marking a significant step toward execution.
2. Who has supported the project and what is its broader vision?
Senior BJP leader and former Union Civil Aviation Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy has stated that the airport could help position Bihar as a major aviation hub in South Asia. He highlighted that under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, groundwork for connectivity and planning was aligned even before formal clearances were publicly announced.
3. Where will the airport be located and what are its key features?
The airport will be developed in the Dariyapur Chawar area in Sonepur, spanning over 4,200 acres between Hajipur and Dumaria. It is planned with a 4.2-kilometre runway capable of handling wide-body and Code-E category aircraft. The Bihar Cabinet has allocated INR 1,302 crore for land acquisition, which is a crucial component of the project's progress.
4. How will connectivity to the airport be improved?
Several infrastructure projects are being aligned with the airport plan. The expansion of JP Setu to six lanes aims to enhance access between North Bihar and Sonepur. Additional links such as the Dighwara-Sherpur bridge, Bakarpur-Dumariya Ghat road project, and the North Ring Road from Dighwara are expected to reduce travel time and strengthen regional connectivity.
5. What operational advantages will the airport offer?
With a 4.2-kilometre runway, the airport will be capable of operating wide-body aircraft, enabling potential long-haul international flights rather than being limited to domestic narrow-body operations. This capacity could open opportunities for direct global connectivity and attract international airlines once the airport becomes operational.
6. How is the airport expected to impact regional development?
The project is being positioned as part of a broader regional growth strategy. Improved air connectivity is expected to boost trade, tourism, and business activities in North Bihar and adjoining regions. There are also plans to explore aviation training facilities, which could reduce the need for students to travel abroad for pilot training and create additional economic opportunities within the state.
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