Begusarai Pushes for Greenfield Airport to Boost Regional Connectivity

Local business leaders and officials in Begusarai, a key industrial hub in the Indian state of Bihar, are intensifying calls for the development of a new greenfield airport capable of handling commercial flights. The demand is fueled by the district's rapid economic expansion and the limitations of existing aviation infrastructure, which proponents argue is constraining further growth.

Begusarai's economic significance is underscored by its status as having the second-highest per capita income in Bihar. According to the Bihar Economic Survey 2025-26, Begusarai's per capita Gross District Domestic Product (GDDP) was Rs 61,566, second only to the state capital, Patna, which recorded a per capita GDDP of Rs 1,31,332. This economic activity is creating significant air travel demand that currently relies on the already congested airport in Patna, located over 120 kilometers away.

Economic Rationale and Industrial Presence

The push for enhanced air connectivity is directly linked to the major industrial operations in the district. Begusarai is home to significant facilities for public sector undertakings such as the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) at its Barauni refinery and the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). The Bihar government has further supported this growth by approving the acquisition of 991 acres for a new industrial area.

Local stakeholders argue that the presence of these corporations, along with numerous construction and commercial firms, generates substantial business travel. Dr. Nishant Ranjan, an orthopaedic surgeon, highlighted the issue, stating, "The situation leads to high inflow and outflow of air passengers from here at Patna airport, which is already overburdened." Proponents believe a local airport would not only serve Begusarai but also provide easier access for the neighboring districts of Khagaria, Munger, Lakhisarai, and Bhagalpur.

Shiv Prakash Bhardwaj, a private school owner, emphasized the economic justification for the project. “The district has a thriving industry and business ecosystem, making it a major emerging economy power in the eastern part of the country,” he said, arguing that Begusarai deserves direct air connectivity commensurate with its economic output.

Current Infrastructure Limitations

Begusarai's existing aviation facility, the Ulao airport, is inadequate for commercial airline operations. The airport features a runway length of just 2,527 feet, making it suitable only for small, general aviation aircraft. Although the airstrip had been defunct for a long period, recent state government initiatives led to its revival, marked by the landing of an eight-seater chartered aircraft a few days ago.

This limited capacity cannot meet the demands of a growing industrial center. For commercial viability and to attract scheduled airline services, a significantly longer runway and more robust terminal infrastructure would be required, necessitating the development of a new greenfield site rather than an expansion of the constrained Ulao facility. Local advocates, including Dr. Ranjan, have suggested that ample land is available for such a project in the Sahebpur Kamal and Balia blocks of the district.

National Aviation Policy Context

The proposal for a new airport in Begusarai aligns with the Government of India's broader aviation policies. The Greenfield Airports Policy, established in 2008, provides a framework for the development of new airports to improve national connectivity. Furthermore, the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN), which stands for Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik, was specifically launched to enhance air links to underserved and unserved regions.

While the Ulao airstrip is listed in UDAN scheme documents as an unserved airport, no airline has submitted a proposal to operate flights from there, likely due to its infrastructure limitations. A new, fully-equipped airport would be better positioned to attract airline interest under the scheme, potentially making air travel more accessible and affordable for the region's population.

Looking ahead, the next step for proponents is to secure formal consideration from state and central government authorities, which would involve detailed feasibility studies, site selection, and land acquisition processes. The success of the initiative will depend on demonstrating a clear and sustainable economic case to justify the significant public and private investment required.

Why This Matters

The push for a greenfield airport in Begusarai exemplifies a wider trend across India where rapid regional industrialization is out-pacing the development of critical infrastructure. This project's success or failure will serve as a barometer for how effectively developing economic hubs can secure the necessary connectivity to sustain growth. For the aviation industry, it represents a potential new market and a test case for the viability of the RCS-UDAN scheme in areas with proven economic demand but limited existing facilities.

Trusted commercial aviation news and airline industry reporting are available at flying.flights. For detailed airline coverage, route changes, and fleet moves, explore the Airlines section at flying.flights/airlines.