Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated the long-awaited Purnea airport, fulfilling a major demand of the people of Seemanchal and the Kosi region. He also flagged off the first commercial IndiGo flight from the airport, marking Purnea’s formal entry onto India’s aviation map.The airport, built at a cost of nearly ₹40,000 crore, is expected to improve connectivity in eastern Bihar and boost economic growth. Future expansion plans include flights to Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, in addition to the already announced services to Ahmedabad and Kolkata.
The Prime Minister, arriving slightly late from Kolkata, received a grand welcome with cultural performances and traditional dances. He was joined by Civil Aviation Minister N. Ram Mohan Naidu, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, and other Union and state ministers. BJP state president Dilip Jaiswal felicitated him with a garland made of makhana.
Alongside the airport, PM Modi inaugurated several key infrastructure projects:
Araria–Galgalia–Thakurganj rail line (₹4,410 crore)
Jogbani–Danapur Vande Bharat Express, Jogbani–Erode Amrit Bharat Express, and Saharsa–Amritsar Amrit Bharat Express
Laid foundation for Vikramshila–Katariya rail line (₹2,170 crore)
2400 MW Thermal Power Project in Bhagalpur (₹25,000 crore)
Kosi–Mechi Interstate River Link Project Phase 1 (₹2,680 crore)
Namami Gange projects in Bhagalpur, including STPs, interception and diversion projects
Drinking water projects for Darbhanga, Katihar, and Bhagalpur
The Purnea airport and these projects are expected to significantly enhance infrastructure, connectivity, and development in eastern Bihar.