Bihar Sonepur International Airport project approved by state cabinet in Saran district. Know runway length, budget allocation, completion year, and key facts for UPSC, PSC, SSC, Banking and Defence exams.

Bihar Cabinet Approves Landmark International Airport Project at Sonepur

In a historic decision, the Bihar state cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, gave formal approval for a major international airport project at Sonepur in the Saran district of Bihar. This move marks a significant boost to the state’s aviation infrastructure and long-term economic growth strategy.

The proposed Sonepur International Airport will be developed as a greenfield airport, meaning it will be built from scratch on undeveloped land, providing a fresh start with modern facilities. Spread over approximately 4,228 acres of land between Hajipur and Dumaria, the project aims to be one of the largest airport projects in the state and potentially in eastern India.

A key technical highlight is the airport’s 4,200-metre long runway, capable of handling wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A380, which is among the largest passenger jets in the world. This means the airport will be able to facilitate direct long-haul international flights without technical limitations.

The state government has allocated around ₹1,302 crore for land acquisition, and the process has already begun. The project has also received site clearance from the Union Civil Aviation Ministry. The state government aims to complete the airport by the year 2030, subject to statutory regulations and environmental clearances.

Development of the Sonepur airport is expected to reduce congestion at the existing Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport (Patna), which currently handles most of Bihar’s air traffic. Besides Patna, the state has operational airports at Gaya, Darbhanga, and Purnia — yet none of these currently serve as a major international hub.

Proponents of the project believe it will create a multiplier effect on employment, trade, tourism, and logistics in north Bihar, attracting investment and connecting the agricultural and industrial sectors to global markets.

📍 Why This News Is Important for Exam Aspirants

Understanding this decision matters for candidates preparing for upcoming competitive exams such as UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Police, Defence, and Teaching roles:

Strategic Infrastructure Development

The approval of a greenfield international airport in Bihar reflects India’s ongoing efforts to expand its aviation infrastructure to serve growing domestic and international air travel demand. Large-scale infrastructure projects like this often feature in General Awareness and Current Affairs sections of exams due to their economic and policy relevance.

Economic Growth and Regional Development

For exams that test economics, geography, and development policies, this project highlights how improved connectivity can stimulate regional growth, trade, tourism, and employment, particularly in historically under-developed areas such as north Bihar.

Government Planning & Public Policy Insight

Aspirants aiming for UPSC/PSC roles must understand how state governments work with central ministries (such as Civil Aviation) to push forward major projects. This case exemplifies inter-governmental coordination, financial allocations, and long-term planning.

By studying such current affairs updates, students can strengthen their preparation in national policies, state development, and socio-economic trends — all of which are key for descriptive answers, interviews, and objective tests.

🕰️ Historical Context: Background of Airport Expansion in Bihar

Bihar’s push to expand aviation infrastructure did not begin overnight. Over the last decade, the state has focused on improving regional connectivity through small airports under schemes like UDAN and partnerships with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for developing regional airports in Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Munger and others.

The existing major airports — Patna, Gaya, and Darbhanga — have seen upgrades, with Patna’s new terminal inaugurated in recent years to handle growing passenger traffic. However, there has long been a push for a larger international airport to attract direct global connectivity, reduce dependency on airports in other states, and encourage investment directly into Bihar’s economy.

The approval of the Sonepur International Airport reflects this strategic intent, backed by the state’s leadership to leverage aviation as an engine for socio-economic development.

📌 Key Takeaways from “Historic Airport Project Approval in Bihar”

S. No.	Key Takeaway
1	Bihar cabinet approved a greenfield international airport project at Sonepur, Saran district.
2	The airport will be built on ~4,228 acres with a 4,200-metre runway for wide-body aircraft.
3	₹1,302 crore has been allocated for land acquisition, with completion targeted by 2030.
4	The project aims to reduce pressure on Patna’s Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport.
5	Enhanced connectivity will boost trade, tourism, employment, and economic growth in north Bihar.

Bihar Sonepur International Airport

FAQs: Bihar Cabinet Approves Sonepur International Airport Project

1. Where will the new international airport in Bihar be constructed?

The new greenfield international airport will be constructed at Sonepur in the Saran district of Bihar. The site lies between Hajipur and Dumaria, strategically positioned to serve north Bihar and nearby regions.

2. What is a greenfield airport project?

A greenfield airport is developed from scratch on previously unused land. It allows planners to design modern infrastructure, longer runways, and advanced terminals without the limitations of expanding an existing airport.

3. What is the length of the proposed runway?

The proposed runway is approximately 4,200 metres long, making it capable of handling wide-body aircraft, including large international planes.

4. How much fund has been allocated for the project?

The Bihar government has allocated around ₹1,302 crore specifically for land acquisition for the airport project.

5. By when is the airport expected to be completed?

The project is targeted for completion by 2030, subject to environmental and regulatory clearances.

6. Which existing airport will benefit from reduced congestion?

The new airport will reduce pressure on Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, which currently handles the majority of Bihar’s air traffic.

7. Why is this project important for competitive exams?

Questions related to infrastructure development, state cabinet decisions, aviation expansion, and regional connectivity frequently appear in UPSC, State PSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, and Defence exams under Current Affairs and Economic Development sections.