Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary directs officials to accelerate Ajgaibinath Dham, Sonepur airport projects
CM Samrat Choudhary directs officials to fast-track Ajgaibinath Dham and Sonepur Greenfield Airport projects to boost Bihar connectivity.
FOCUS: Bihar airport projects
Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary directs officials to accelerate Ajgaibinath Dham, Sonepur airport projects
In a major push for regional connectivity, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has ordered officials to fast-track the development of two massive aviation hubs: the proposed Ajgaibinath Dham Greenfield Airport and the Sonepur Greenfield International Airport. During a high-level review meeting on Monday, the Chief Minister emphasized that all necessary procedures must be completed within the stipulated timeframe through seamless inter-departmental coordination.
Massive Investment via PPP Mode
The scale of these infrastructure projects is significant, involving substantial capital investment under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. According to official details, the first phase of the Ajgaibinath Dham Greenfield Airport will require an investment of ₹3,500 crore. Meanwhile, the Sonepur Greenfield International Airport is slated for a first-phase investment of ₹6,500 crore.
While the private sector will drive the primary development, the state government has committed to covering all costs related to land acquisition and essential connectivity infrastructure. To streamline this, discussions were held regarding land acquisition under the 'Bihar Raiyoti Land Purchase Policy, 2026'.
Boosting Tourism and Regional Connectivity
The development of these airports is expected to act as a catalyst for economic growth, tourism, and trade across Bihar. The Chief Minister highlighted the specific benefits for various regions:
- Ajgaibinath Dham Airport: This project is designed to transform air travel for Munger, Lakhisarai, Jamui, Bhagalpur, Banka, Khagaria, and Begusarai. Crucially, it will provide vital facilities for pilgrims traveling to the region during the Shravani Mela.
- Sonepur Greenfield International Airport: This hub is poised to serve 22 districts within Bihar, while also providing connectivity to neighboring districts in Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh.
Focus on Large Aircraft and Cargo Facilities
The Chief Minister has set high standards for the technical specifications of these projects. He specifically instructed officials to ensure that the infrastructure and runways at both airports are developed to accommodate large aircraft. For the Sonepur project, he placed special emphasis on integrating robust cargo facilities to enhance the state's trade capabilities.
"The development of both airport projects would boost air connectivity, tourism, trade, and regional economic activities," the Chief Minister remarked during the review.
High-Level Coordination Required
To ensure the projects stay on track, the Chief Minister directed regular reviews and strict adherence to deadlines. The meeting was attended by a host of senior officials, including MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Deepak Kumar, Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, and various department secretaries from Civil Aviation, Road Construction, and Urban Development.