Patna Airport Gets ₹1,200 Cr Terminal, Foundation Laid for Bihta Enclave
In a major boost to Bihar’s air connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ultra-modern terminal at Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, Patna, developed at a cost of ₹1,200 crore. Spanning over 65,150 square meters, the terminal is designed to handle 3,000 passengers during peak hours and up to one crore passengers annually. Equipped with 64 check-in counters, nine Automatic Tray Retrieval Systems, five aerobridges, and a multilevel parking facility for 1,100 cars, the terminal promises a seamless travel experience.
The Prime Minister, joined by Bihar’s Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and other dignitaries, highlighted Bihar’s growing aviation infrastructure. He noted that besides Patna, Darbhanga Airport is now operational, connecting the state directly to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. The new terminal also reflects Bihar’s rich cultural heritage with design elements inspired by Mithila art and Nalanda Mahavihara, while embracing sustainability through energy-efficient features targeting a 4-star GRIHA rating.
Alongside this, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the new Civil Enclave at Bihta Air Force Station, about 35 km from Patna. With a project cost of ₹1,413 crore, the Bihta terminal will cover 68,000 square meters and serve 50 lakh passengers annually. It will include 64 check-in counters, 16 self-check-in kiosks, 10 ATRS, and five aerobridges. The terminal’s architecture is inspired by the Mauryan and Gupta eras, Nalanda, and Vikramshila, and it aims for a 5-star GRIHA rating with sustainable features like a sewage treatment plant for water recycling.
These developments are expected to transform Bihar’s aviation landscape, fostering trade, tourism, education, and healthcare while creating significant employment opportunities. The projects reinforce the Government of India’s commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and realizing the vision of a developed Bharat.
