Bihar: Bhagalpur Administration Identifies 475-Acre Land For New Aviation Facility

As part of the expanding airport infrastructure across India, the administration of Bhagalpur in Bihar has pinpointed a 475-acre plot in the adjacent Goradih block for potential development into an airport.

For enhancing air connectivity for Bhagalpur city, the District Magistrate recently assembled a six-member committee tasked with locating a suitable tract of land for the proposed airport, ultimately focusing on this 475-acre parcel, as per a Times of India report.

Bhagalpur DM Dr Nawal Kishor Choudhary emphasised the urgent need for a sizable airport to address the diverse needs of the local population.

“We have made spot inspection of a suggested land at Goradih for the new airport,” said the DM, adding that block and circle officials were directed to take steps for removing encroachments (if any) on the plot.

Back in the 1980s, private operators provided commercial air services using a couple of small aircraft from Bhagalpur airfield.

However, due to low passenger volume and subsequent non-viability, these services were discontinued.

Currently, the nearest airports in Bihar are located in Patna, approximately 250 km away, as well as in Bagdogra (West Bengal) and Deoghar (Jharkhand). This has presented a common challenge for air services to Bhagalpur.

The district is renowned worldwide for its silk industry. Reports suggest that the establishment of an airport facility in the area will not only enhance air connectivity but also facilitate the provision of improved healthcare services in the region.

Since the 1990s, various groups including business organisations, the Indian Medical Association, bar association, Eastern Bihar Chamber of Commerce and Industries, and politicians have been pushing for air services in Bhagalpur.

However, due to the small airstrip and airfield, these efforts have been unsuccessful.

Officials from the Airports Authority of India, having conducted multiple visits, have suggested a larger area for domestic flights to improve commercial viability. Attempts were made under the centre’s UDAN regional aviation connectivity scheme, but air services have yet to materialise.