Bihar Set to Welcome Six New Airports Under UDAN Scheme

Bihar is set to enhance its air connectivity with the addition of six new airports, following the Bihar Cabinet's approval for an agreement with the Airports Authority of India (AAI). This development promises to boost regional accessibility and economic growth across the state.

The new airports will be established in Madhubani, Birpur (Supaul), Munger, Valmiki Nagar (Bettiah), Muzaffarpur, and Saharsa, under the Centre’s UDAN regional connectivity programme. The decision was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state’s Directorate of Aviation and the AAI, with the Cabinet led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar giving the green light.

A budget of Rs 150 crore has been allocated for this project, with Rs 25 crore dedicated to the development of each airport, stated Additional Chief Secretary S Siddharth.

In addition, the Cabinet approved the issuance of the Letter of Award (LoA) to Kumar Infratrade Enterprises Ltd for the construction of a five-star hotel near Income Tax Golumber, Patna. The hotel will be developed via a public-private partnership (PPP), with land granted on a 90-year lease. Bidding processes for two more five-star hotels, located near Bankipore Bus Stand and R. Golumber in Patna, are also nearing completion.

Furthermore, the Cabinet announced the MSP for different crops: Rs 5,650 for chana, Rs 5,950 for mustard, and Rs 6,700 for masoor. The contract for 1,717 retired army personnel employed in the Special Auxiliary Police (SAP) has been extended till 2025–26.

Changes in recruitment policies were also approved, with a new guideline ensuring that 50 per cent of clerical positions in government schools and libraries will now be filled through compassionate appointments, while the remaining will be recruited directly.

This series of decisions marks an important step forward in Bihar’s development agenda, especially with upcoming state assembly elections on the horizon.