During the budget session of the Bihar Assembly, the state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, on Thursday evening approved 35 important agenda items. The decisions taken in the meeting focus on infrastructure development, disaster management, and public welfare, with anticipated impacts stretching from North Bihar to the Ang region.
The cabinet has approved ₹1,302 crore for land acquisition for the construction of a greenfield international airport in Sonpur, Saran district. The proposed airport will be developed in the Dariyapur Chanwar area between Hajipur and Dumaria, with the government targeting completion by 2030.
The new airport is expected to provide direct air connectivity to Saran, Vaishali, and surrounding districts, boosting tourism, trade, and investment. Internationally recognized events like the Chhath Festival and Sonpur Mela are likely to benefit from increased accessibility. Local MP Rajeev Pratap Rudy expressed gratitude to the state government, calling the decision a milestone for the development of North Bihar.
The cabinet also approved a ₹70 crore project for riverbank erosion control in the Ismailpur-Bindtola area of Bhagalpur district. The project, prepared by the Water Resources Department, will focus on strengthening embankments and building protective structures.
Bhagalpur has faced annual threats of riverbank erosion, impacting farmland and local populations. Floods and displacement have been persistent issues in several villages. The government hopes this project will provide long-term control over river erosion and bring relief to thousands of families.
Earlier, on 6 February, the cabinet had approved 17 proposals, including increasing compensation for families of road accident victims from ₹2 lakh to ₹4 lakh. A major decision for migrant workers was also taken: their bodies will now be brought home at government expense, and treatment for the injured will be covered by the state.
Other administrative decisions included ensuring the participation of MLAs and MPs in district-level meetings and approving permanent empowered committees for municipal councils.
The latest cabinet approvals indicate the state government’s focus on simultaneous development of infrastructure, disaster management, and social security. While the Sonpur airport project is seen as a major step for regional development, the Bhagalpur river erosion control plan is being welcomed as a relief measure for local communities.
Attention now turns to the ground-level implementation and timely completion of these projects.
