Valmiki Nagar Airport Gets New Hope With 229 Acres Land Identified
The long-pending demand for the expansion for the Valmiki Nagar Airport in Bihar’s West Champaran district has gained new momentum. The Bihar government has identified and marked 229 acres of land for the project.
Here’s everything about the expansion of the Valmiki Nagar Airport including the total land required, progress so far, ground survey report, timeline and the expected date for completion. You can use the following Table of Contents to navigate as per your preference:
Table of Contents
Survey Begins for Land Acquisition
After years of waiting, ground work has begun for expanding the Valmiki Nagar Airport. Bagaha-2 circle officer Ravi Prakash Chaudhary conducted a physical survey on the eastern side of the airport on 30 July 2025. We also identified 229 acres of land which will be suitable for the project.
For the full expansion of the Valmiki Nagar Airport, 303 acres are required. Out of the 303 acres, 73 acres are already available so the rest is being identified. The next step will be sending a formal proposal to the aviation department for land acquisition. If the marked land is government property, it will be transferred directly but if it is under private ownership, the land acquisition procedures will be followed.
Why the Eastern Side Was Chosen
The western side of the airport faces many challenges like waterlogging and terrain-related obstacles. So that direction would be very difficult to work with during the expansion. The latest survey reports have confirmed that the eastern side is suitable for extending the Valmiki Nagar Airport. Government officials are preparing the final survey report which will be then submitted to the aviation department. Then, they will approves the plan and the construction will begin.
Central and State Funds Already Sanctioned
The Union government has allocated ₹25 crore for the first phase of the expansion of the Valmiki Nagar Airport. Also, the Bihar government also released additional funds in the 2025–26 state budget specifically for this project.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will soon be finalized between the Bihar government and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Then the roles will be formalized, funds will be used and construction will be executed strategically.
UDAN Scheme to Bring 19-Seater Flights
Under the central government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, the Valmiki Nagar Airport has been selected to be developed as an airport that will be handling 19-seater aircrafts. Under the same scheme, seven airports were selected from Bihar to be developed for small aircrafts. You can get the details about the others here. They will possibly connect Patna and other important cities together. It will be a upgraded experience for travelers who currently rely on rail and road options.
Timeline and What Happens Next
Once the final land survey report is submitted to the aviation department and gets their approval, the work for land acquisition will start. After the land acquisition, basic infrastructure will be developed like fences, runway grading etc. The space for airport terminal will be developed next. If things run smoothly and according to the stipulated timeline, the Valmiki Nagar Airport will be ready for inauguration by late 2026 or early 2027.
Conclusion
The expansion of Valmiki Nagar Airport is finally seeing on-ground work with survey and land indentification. The airport will be constructed near the Valmiki Nagar Tiger Reserve, so the tourism will also increase. The Purnia Airport is almost ready with Bihar’s largest runway. It will be functional by this year itself. You can read the details here.
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.
