Darbhanga Airport to be a Game-Changer for North Bihar: Sanjay Kumar Jha

Patna: The foundation stone for the new civil enclave at Darbhanga Airport was laid virtually on Sunday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Kashi’s Sigra Stadium. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, JD(U) national working president and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, and several other leaders and senior officials were connected online from the Chief Minister’s residence in Patna.

Speaking to reporters after the event, JD(U) national working president Sanjay Kumar Jha said that today is a very happy day for the people of Mithila and entire North Bihar. “On behalf of all Mithila residents, we express our heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister for laying the foundation stone of the new terminal building of Darbhanga Airport,” he said.

Jha further stated that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has always had a personal interest in the development of Darbhanga Airport. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Udan Yojana’, Bihar received two airports. The state government had to provide land and other facilities for this. It was Chief Minister Nitish Kumar who decided that one of these airports would be built in Darbhanga, the center of Mithila. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he had visited Darbhanga to inspect the development works at the airport. The flight service from Darbhanga Airport commenced on November 8, 2020. "We are trying to start services of other companies from Darbhanga Airport as well. We aim to make it an international airport," he added.

He said that Darbhanga Airport provides air connectivity to a population of 6 crore in 14 districts of Bihar. Its proximity to Nepal further increases its importance. Foreigners also travel from here. Keeping this in mind, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has proposed to develop this airport as an international airport. The state government is ready to provide additional land and all kinds of cooperation to make it an international level airport. Sanjay Kumar Jha expressed confidence that the developed form of Darbhanga Airport will prove to be a game-changer for Mithila and entire North Bihar in the coming times.

New records in terms of passenger numbers: Under the Udan scheme, Darbhanga Airport is the most successful airport in the country. It is continuously setting new records in terms of passenger traffic. Since its inception in November 2020, more than 19.13 lakh passengers have traveled through this airport. The number of passengers increased from 1,53,281 in 2020-2021 to 5,26,066 in 2023-2024. Keeping in view the continuously increasing number of passengers, a new civil enclave is to be constructed on 52.65 acres of land at a cost of Rs 912 crore. The Bihar government has completed the process of acquiring 54 acres of land for the new civil enclave and 24 acres of land for the expansion of the runway (CAT-1).

Key features of the new terminal building:

The new terminal building is proposed to be constructed on a total area of 51,800 square meters including basement, which will be equipped to serve 3000 passengers during peak hours and 30 lakh passengers annually. In addition, there is also a plan to construct ancillary buildings such as multi-level car parking, service block, etc. for the expansion of the new terminal building.

Design, concept, and artwork The proposed height of the new terminal building of the civil enclave will be inspired by centuries-old Mithila art and the magnificent Darbhanga fort of the 19th century. Artwork and sculptures made by local artisans will be installed in the landscape areas of the waiting areas. Natural and earthy colors will be used in the interior decor.

Other development works done by the Bihar government at Darbhanga Airport:

View cutter and runway fencing work -

The view cutter and runway fencing work at Darbhanga Airport has been completed by the Executive Engineer, Building Construction, Darbhanga at a cost of Rs 2.27 crore.

Construction of bridge/culvert to connect the terminal building of Darbhanga Airport directly to the high road - A 21-meter long 2-lane RCC bridge has been constructed at a cost of Rs 308.50 lakh by the Senior Project Engineer, Bridge Construction Corporation, Darbhanga to connect the airport terminal directly to SH 105 and handed over to the Airport Director, Darbhanga on 22.07.2022, on which traffic is running. A shed has been constructed at a cost of Rs 56 lakh by the Executive Engineer, Local Area Engineering Organization, Darbhanga-1 over the said bridge to protect from sun and rain.

Economic Impact:

1. Job creation and employment opportunities

2. Boost to local businesses and industries

3. Increased tourism and revenue generation

4. Improved connectivity and accessibility

Political Implications:

1. Impact on Nitish Kumar's legacy and JD(U) party

2. Narendra Modi's 'Udan Yojana' and its success

3. Bihar's development and infrastructure growth

4. Potential electoral benefits for ruling parties

Infrastructure Development:

1. Airport design and capacity expansion

2. Runway extension and safety features

3. Ancillary buildings and amenities (e.g., parking, service block)

4. Integration with existing transportation networks

Social Benefits:

1. Enhanced air connectivity for rural populations

2. Improved access to healthcare and education

3. Increased opportunities for trade and commerce

4. Cultural exchange and tourism promotion

Environmental Concerns:

1. Impact on local ecosystems and wildlife

2. Noise pollution and mitigation measures

3. Sustainable design and energy efficiency

4. Waste management and environmental protocols