Bihta Airport to Operate Together with Patna Airport for Safer Aviation
The Bihta Airport will be operating together with Patna’s Jay Prakash Narayan Airport in the coming years. This is due to the rising safety concerns regarding the Patna airport. Patna airport is one of the riskiest in India, it’s runway length is too short for bigger aircrafts and a Clock Tower comes within the funnel zone of the airport.
All the aircrafts experience a jolt while landing at the Patna airport. And this issue has been flagged multiple times by the authorities. The recent plane crash in Ahmedabad has once again raise concerns over the airport’s shortcomings. So, in order to make the Patna Airport safe for travel, the authorities are planning on merge it with the Bihta airport – not physically but functionally.
We have covered everything about the Bihta Airport, runway expansion plans at Patna airport, underpass construction, clock tower removal, and the operational timeline of both the Patna and Bihta airports. You can use the following Table of Contents to navigate as per your preference:
Table of Contents
Runway Extension Plans for Patna Airport
The land report for the expansion of the Patna Airport’s runway has been submitted to the DM. You can see that report here in one of her previous articles. But recently, Chandrashekhar Singh who is the Divisional Commissioner of Patna, confirmed that the Runway will be extended on both the side i.e. eastern and western ends. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) also proposed the same.
On the western side, approximately 200 m of government land will be used for the extension. This land is suitable for the extension because most of the land remained unused. The DM will finalize the proposal and then it will be sent to the state cabinet. The eastern side is challenging because of the presence of the Patna zoo. But authorities are planning to transfer the land from the adjacent Golf Club to the zoo. The Golf club has an area of 102 acres, out of this 50 to 55 acres will be adequate for an 18-hole course. The remaining land can be given to the Patna zoo.
New Underpass to Ease Congestion
The Patna Zoo’s Gate No. 2 (on the eastern side of the Patna Airport) will need a new underpass for better mobility of the road traffic. More structural changes will be needed in the surrounding roads. This is because both – aviation safety and urban road infrastructure has to be maintained.
Additionally, a British-era relic – the clock tower near the airport will also be subjected to changes. Its height would be reduced so that it does not become an obstacle for the aircrafts during landing. The AAI has proposed a height reduction of 17.5 metres. The government has clarified that the clock tower is not functional, it only holds aesthetic value. That’s why reducing it’s height would not be a big deal.
Bird-Hit Threats and Environmental Measures
Furthermore, there is a an eminent threat from the birds flying near the airport. A secondary garbage dumping point in Gardanibagh attracts a flock of birds near the area. Additionally, meat and fish shops in the Chitkohra to Anisabad route, also attract a lot of birds. So, authorities have confirmed that the garbage dumping point and the shops will be relocated.
Apart from this, there was a problem of waterlogging in the southern part of the railway line – this also created an attractive spot for the birds. So handle this situation, authorities have proposed a large-scale drainage project. All these combined changes will help in keeping the birds out of the airport zone and prevent them from hitting the aircrafts. These steps are being taken until the Bihta airport becomes completely functional.
Bihta Airport Will Not Replace Patna Airport
This is an answer to the common question that is being asked “Will the Bihta airport replace the airport at Patna?”. So, no, the airport will not be replaced but it will work in coordination with the Bihta airport.
Both the airports will be operating simultaneously to handle increasing air traffic. The Bihta airport is 35 km away from the Patna airport, so there physical merger is not feasible, but the authorities will be making the best use of unique capabilities of both.
Strategic Importance of Bihta Airport
The Bihta airport is developed to serve a long-term purpose. It will be made as per the international standards – with modern runways and terminals. There will be dedicated area for cargo and military operations. Bihta has ample space for further expansion in the future as well. So it will be optimal for handling larger flights. It will reduce congestion and reduce delays. It will also provide and alternative during emergencies.
Expected Timeline For This Project
If we believe the divisional commissioner, the expansion of the Patna Airport’s runway will be completed by 2027. The development of Bihta airport is expected to take more time. We could not find an official confirmation for the project timeline yet.
But once Bihta Airport becomes fully operational, Patna will become one of those Indian cities who operate dual airports – like Mumbai and Delhi. Here, both passenger and cargo operations take place very smoothly improving the overall quality and experience.
Conclusion
The Bihta airport functioning in coordination with the Patna Airport will be a new phase for Bihar’s aviation journey. As now, the citizens will not need to travel to other states for flights. The recent inauguration of the new terminal of the Patna Airport is being celebrated as well. The new terminal along with the structural changes to the runway will transform the aviation experience at Patna. The Airport is now open for international flights as well after a prolonged wait of over 24 years.
But, everything depends on the timely execution of the infrastructural changes. Let’s hope the best for our state.
I’m a final-year engineering student with a deep interest in current affairs, politics, and international issues. Writing news is my part-time passion, where I focus on sharing credible and well-researched stories. Every article I publish is backed by verified sources and multiple levels of fact-checking to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness.
