The Impressive TimesPatna, April 3: In a significant boost to infrastructure development in Bihar, the proposed Greenfield Airport in Sonepur, located in the Saran parliamentary constituency, has received ‘site clearance’ from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. The approval is being seen as a historic milestone for the region, paving the way for enhanced connectivity and economic growth.
The clearance was granted by the Greenfield Airports Steering Committee, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. The committee includes senior officials from key departments such as Home, Defence, Economic Affairs, Revenue, NITI Aayog, Meteorological Department, the Airports Authority of India, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
Saran MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy termed the development as the result of a 16-year vision and over seven years of sustained administrative efforts. He noted that obtaining site clearance for Greenfield airports is often a complex and challenging process, but Bihar secured approval within a relatively short timeframe despite multiple meeting delays. Describing the decision as more than just an administrative approval, Rudy said it would give wings to the aspirations of Saran and North Bihar. He emphasized that the project would open new avenues for employment, industrial growth, trade, and tourism in the region.
After the site clearance in place, the process towards completion would be going through issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP), appointing consultants, and preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR). The project is expected to attract investments of up to ₹10,000 crore, significantly contributing to the state’s economic development.
Rudy highlighted that the proposed airport has the potential to emerge as a major aviation hub for Northeast India, Bhutan, Nepal, West Bengal, and Bihar. He added that its strategic location could position it as a key node in South Asian air routes, with future connectivity possibilities extending to Europe, the United States, and Australia. The airport’s proximity to Patna and its accessibility to a large part of North Bihar are expected to strengthen regional connectivity and accelerate trade, investment, and tourism. It is also likely to enhance the state’s presence on both national and international aviation maps.
Expressing gratitude, Rudy thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and the Ministry of Civil Aviation for their support. He remarked that the Prime Minister’s vision of making air travel accessible to the common citizen is gradually becoming a reality, with the Sonepur airport being a testament to that commitment.
No Comments: