New Delhi: In a major boost to Bihar’s aviation infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated the New Terminal Building at Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna and laid the foundation stone for a New Civil Enclave at Bihta Airport. The developments mark a significant milestone for regional air connectivity and economic development in the state.
The Prime Minister was joined by Bihar Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, along with Deputy Chief Ministers, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
During the occasion, the Prime Minister took a walkthrough of the newly constructed terminal building in Patna, accompanied by the dignitaries. The Union Civil Aviation Minister briefed him on the key features and scope of the project.
The newly inaugurated terminal building at Patna Airport has been developed at a cost of Rs 1,200 crore. Spread over 65,150 square metres, the state-of-the-art facility is capable of handling 3,000 passengers during peak hours and up to 1 crore passengers annually. Key features include 64 check-in counters, 9 Automatic Tray Retrieval Systems (ATRS) under Phase-I, 5 aerobridges, 4 conveyor belts, and an apron with 11 aircraft bays (9 Code C and 2 ATR). A Multilevel Car Parking (MLCP) facility with a capacity for 1,100 vehicles has also been developed.
The upcoming Civil Enclave at Bihta Airport, for which the foundation stone was laid today, is being developed at an estimated cost of ₹1,413 crore. The new terminal at Bihta will span 68,000 square metres and will handle 3,000 passengers during peak hours and 50 lakh passengers annually. Planned facilities include 64 check-in counters, 16 self-check-in kiosks, 10 ATRS, 5 aerobridges, 6 conveyor belts, a multilevel car park, and supporting service blocks.
Both terminal buildings are designed to reflect Bihar’s rich cultural and artistic heritage while embracing modern sustainable architecture. The integration of green building practices aims to reduce environmental impact and promote energy efficiency.
The enhanced infrastructure is expected to significantly improve passenger experience, boost trade and tourism, and generate employment opportunities in the region. The projects are a part of the Centre’s broader efforts to strengthen regional connectivity and promote economic integration through improved civil aviation infrastructure.
These developments align with the government’s vision of modernizing airports across India, fostering regional growth, and connecting more citizens to air travel.
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