Indigo and SpiceJet express interest in operating flights from Darbhanga

PATNA: Regional air- connectivity in Bihar is set to get a major boost as budget carriers IndiGo and SpiceJet have expressed interest for operating flights from Darbhanga to Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru under the second phase of Udan scheme of the Union ministry of civil aviation.
Information in this regard was shared by Union civil aviation secretary R.N. Choubey with Bihar deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi at New Delhi on Wednesday.Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik or UDAN, under which fares are capped at Rs 2,500 for one-hour flights, aims to connect unserved and underserved airports.
“IndiGo and SpiceJet have submitted bids for commencing commercial flight operations from Darbhanga to Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru under second bidding round of Udan scheme. We have been told that flight operations can commence in six months if the state government provides land for development of terminal building at Darbhanga,” SuMo said.
The airstrip at Darbhanga is owned by India Air Force (IAF) and a civil enclave or terminal building along with ATC (air traffic control) tower, parking apron and cargo among other facilities are required to be provided for commencement of commercial flight operations.
Incidentally, the state government is keen on commencing commercial flight operations from Darbhanga as well as Purnia airstrips, both of which are controlled by IAF.
“The state government is already acquiring 50 acres of land at Purnia airbase with funds to the tune of Rs 21 crores for development of civil enclave and other facilities. However, funds to the tune of Rs 455crores are required for acquisition of 50acres of land at Darbhanga owing to higher land acquisition cost over there. Accordingly, the state government is asking Airports Authority of India (AAI) to reduce the land asked for the development of utilities at Darbhanga,” a senior official in state civil aviation directorate told TOI.
Purnia and Darbhanga airbase apart, officials in civil aviation directorate informed that airstrips at Bhagalpur, Kishanganj, Birpur, Valmiki Nagar, Rajgir and Gopalganj are also proposed to be developed under Udan scheme.
“As per the guidelines of Udan scheme, central and state government would provide subsidy to the operators in the ratio of 80:20, in order to ensure the financial viability of short- distance flight operation. We are expecting that 9- 20 seater aircraft with single or double engines to operate under this scheme,” the civil aviation directorate official said.
There are 21 airfields in Bihar at present, out of which, three are under the control of Indian Air Force- Bihta, Purnia and Darbhanga. Nine other airfields are in the category of ‘Kachha and abandoned’ airfields including Jehanabad and Ara. The remaining are under the category of metalled runways having reinforced cement concrete (RCC) - made airstrips.