KATHMANDU: Construction and expansion work at an airport in Birpur of Supaul district in India’s Bihar state, bordering Nepal’s Sunsari district, has gained momentum. The airport is located just around 10 kilometres from the Koshi Barrage.
The project has drawn attention after Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav conducted an on-site inspection of the under-construction airport. During the inspection, he said the tendering process had already been completed and that the entire project would be completed within the next two years.
The airport is being developed at an estimated cost of around INR 648 million and is designed to accommodate Code 2B category aircraft. Under the project, the existing runway, which is around 1,200 metres long, will be extended to three kilometres to facilitate the operation of commercial aircraft.
The expanded airport will include a runway, taxiway, apron, perimeter road, ground service area, a modern prefabricated steel terminal building, an air traffic control (ATC) tower and a fire station, among other facilities.
For the airport expansion, the state government had initially approved more than INR 423.7 million. It has recently provided additional administrative approval of more than INR 295.6 million for the acquisition of 88.83 acres of land.
The land acquisition process in Birpur Mauja, Nag Piprahi and Parmanandpur areas is being carried out under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
The local administration said compensation is being distributed to affected landowners on a priority basis using e-Land Possession Certificates (ELPCs). According to the social impact assessment report, the number of people requiring relocation is relatively small.
More than an airport
The project is not being envisioned merely as a passenger transport facility. Authorities are also working on an ambitious plan to develop Birpur as a major flying training hub and adventure sports centre in India.
Representatives of the central and Bihar governments have already inspected the airport as part of cooperation between India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Aero Club of India.
Plans include establishing a flying training school as well as facilities for powered flying, gliding, ballooning, skydiving, paragliding, hang gliding, parasailing, drone activities and aeromodelling.
Strategic location
Located close to the India-Nepal border, the airport is considered significant from strategic, administrative and economic perspectives.
Once operational, it is expected to benefit millions of people across the Koshi border regions, including Supaul, Saharsa, Madhepura, Araria and Madhubani.
The airport is also expected to boost commercial activities in Nepal’s eastern Terai districts, including Sunsari. Indian and domestic tourist arrivals to various destinations in eastern Nepal’s hill region are also expected to increase following improved air connectivity in the region.
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