Sonepur Airport: Bihar’s Largest 4,228-Acre Airport Gets Approval
The largest airport in Bihar by area is going to be established in Saran’s Sonepur. The Sonepur airport will be spread across 4,228 acres of land. A major sum of ₹1,302 crore has been earmarked for acquisition.
Sonepur, best known across the country for Asia’s largest cattle fair held every year at the banks of the Ganga and Gandak rivers, is back in the news once again.
But this time, the spotlight is not on the mela but on a far bigger developmental update. The Bihar government has identified Sonepur as the perfect spot for a massive greenfield airport project.
We have covered everything about the Sonepur airport in this article, including land details, project cost and timeline, location advantages and what it promises for the future of air connectivity in Bihar.
Table of Contents
Land Identification & Fund Approval
According to announcements made in the Bihar Budget for the 2026–27, the Bihar government has identified 4,228 acres of land at Sonepur for the construction of the greenfield airport. The cost for land acquisition is estimated to be ₹1,302 crore. The administrative approval process is currently underway.
Bihar’s finance minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav announced about the Sonepur airport in his budget speech for the financial year 2026-27.
Once complete, the Sonepur airport will be the largest in Bihar by land area, far exceeding the Patna Airport, which spans about 1,000 acres. Interestingly, it will also surpass Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, which covers around 2,400 acres. making it the largest airport in eastern India.
Why Sonepur Was Chosen for the Airport
Sonepur is chosen for its strategic location. It is situated close to Patna and also provides easy access to both south and north Bihar districts. The airport will not only cater to Patna’s increasing demands but also to passengers from Vaishali, Saran, Muzaffarpur, Siwan, and Gopalganj.
The expansion of Patna airport has become a complex task due to dense urban surroundings. Its runway is among the shortest and riskiest in India. For these reasons, greenfield airports at new locations are a practical alternative.
On similar grounds, an airport has been approved at Bihta, which will help expand modern aviation infrastructure without affecting existing structures.
Sonepur Airport Project Timeline
Currently, the nearest facility is Lok Nayak Jayaprakash International Airport in Patna which is about 31 km away.
People have raised demands for an airport in Sonepur for years. The efforts by former Union minister and Saran MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy are also considered crucial for this project. This gained momentum and a pre-feasibility study for a Greenfield airport at Sonpur was conducted in 2019.
Now, the Civil Aviation Department has officially invited Requests for Proposal (RFP) to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the same.
Economic and Employment Opportunities
Such large airport projects often act as catalysts for regional development. The construction phase alone, will generate employment opportunities for local workers, contractors, and service providers.
Once operational, the Sonepur airport will attract hotels, transport services, logistics companies, and other support industries. It will also encourage investment in nearby areas and help in improving trade, tourism, and small businesses.
The movement of agricultural produce, processed food, and other manufactured goods from north Bihar to national and international markets will be easier.
Tourism Potential Around Sonepur
We all know Sonepur for the Sonepur Mela, one of Asia’s most iconic traditions. With an airport nearby, it becomes accessible to the whole world. It will also benefit religious, cultural, and heritage tourism across nearby regions. Local artisans and handicrafts will get global reach. The air cargo facility will expand delivery to global markets.
Design Expectations For Sonepur Airport
As a greenfield project, the Sonepur airport will not require demolition or restructuring of existing facilities, unlike brownfield upgrades. Also, it will be constructed sustainably and comply with modern aviation standards from day one.
The large area leaves room for future expansions if needed. Any runway extensions, additional terminals or cargo zones will be feasible. It will be built for the future. Officials have indicated that the airport will have a conscious design, efficient land use, modern drainage systems, and use of renewable energy.
Conclusion
Officials suggest that the construction work on the Sonepur airport will begin once land acquisition formalities are completed. Timelines have not yet been officially announced. If executed as planned, the airport has the potential to reshape Bihar’s aviation map.
Bihar government is simultaneously working on reviving old British-era and defence airfields under regional connectivity schemes such as UDAN. Obstacle Limitation Surface surveys are planned for several locations, including Muzaffarpur, Saharsa, Munger, Birpur, and Valmikinagar. Together, these projects are meant to reduce dependence on a single overcrowded airport.
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