Bhagalpur airport has been in the conversation for years, but not for any progress which might be desirable in the simpler sense of a “someday” project. While other cities in Bihar eagerly embrace the idea of new airports, Bhagalpur seems to be as close to progress as someone who is waiting for their boarding pass. However, recent political pressure and budget buzz suggest that change might finally be in the air. Here’s why this airport isn’t just about flights—it’s about Bhagalpur’s future.
Bhagalpur Airport Left Behind? Congress Alleges Biased Treatment
The District Committee Vice President, Dr. Praveen Jha, wound up his concerns during the media interaction yesterday as he squarely blamed the central NDA government, in coalition with the state government, for neglecting the operationalization of the Bhagalpur airport. In his words, new airports are coming up in Virpur, Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, Valmikinagar, Saharsa, and Munger. However, Bhagalpur is not getting any attention.
Jha further adds that it was quite disappointing to see Chief Minister Nitish Kumar not extend the basic infrastructure facilities, which could have greatly benefited the people of Bhagalpur both economically and in terms of ease of access.
Reviving Bhagalpur Airport Could Boost Silk Industry and Local Trade
According to Dr. Praveen Jha, the operationalization of Bhagalpur Airport would “jet fuel” the growth of Bhagalpur’s silk textile industry. It would literally and metaphorically stimulate growth. Order buyers from across India and even overseas could fly in and directly place orders, which would greatly benefit the region’s economy. GI-tagged silk products, along with maize and bananas, can finally reach larger markets. It would be easier for them to access other markets. It would be like giving a turbo boost to the supply chain.
Students and Migrants Deserve Bhagalpur Airport Connectivity
Students and employees from Bhagalpur journey to educational and employment centers like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata every year. Currently, these students and employees have to rely on long train rides or costly fees, which do not provide any value for time, especially in the absence of a Bhagalpur airport.
Direct flights would significantly help thousands of people in the region since they would drastically cut travel time, lower expenses, and open treasury doors of opportunities. Flights will not only provide encouragement for flights but will also enable and empower Bhagalpur youngsters to stay connected with the economic centers of the country.
Bhagalpur’s Development Scorecard: Still a Blank Page?
As stated by the Congress leader, infrastructural development in Bhagalpur has been neglected stagnantly. No progress in transport, no major projects, and no airport connectivity—up until now. He urged the Prime Minister and Chief Minister to make the air service that has been promised functional, so locals do not have to suffer the indignity of feeling like second-class citizens in their own state.
Here’s the optimistic part of the story—perhaps most encouraging of all is the latest budget revelation. Alongside the ones proposed in Raxaul (East Champaran) and Rajgir (Nalanda), the government has approved the construction of a Greenfield airport in Sultanganj, Bhagalpur. Bhagalpur also features among the seven cities targeted for immediate implementation of a scheduled service to be operated by small regional aircraft. Indeed, as you read it, Bhagalpur can expect not one but potentially two airports in the not-too-distant future. That is a huge amount of prospective tarmac and a major benefit for connectivity and commerce.
Bhagalpur already has the geography, industry, and demand—it just needs the runway to match. If things go as announced, Bhagalpur airport could be the takeoff point for a whole new chapter of growth and opportunity for the region.
