KKN Gurugram Desk | In a major development for the residents of Bihar, the process for land acquisition for the expansion of the Raxaul Airport in East Champaran has commenced. The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has sent a requisition to the state government for acquiring 139 acres of land, which is a crucial step for increasing the airport’s capacity and enhancing connectivity in the region. The Bihar Cabinet has sanctioned an allocation of ₹207.70 crore to facilitate the acquisition and development of the land, marking a significant milestone in the project.
Land Acquisition Process and Details
As part of the expansion efforts, the AAI has requested the acquisition of land from six villages in the Raxaul region. The process involves the acquisition of land from approximately 400 landowners, with the aim of securing 139 acres of additional space. The acquisition is set to cover six villages: Chikni, Singhpur, Siswa, Ekderwa, Bharatmahi, and Chandouli. The land has been meticulously marked, surveyed, and a Khesra register has been prepared to facilitate the formal acquisition process.
The District Administration has already initiated the necessary procedural steps to ensure that the land acquisition moves forward in compliance with all regulatory requirements. The Khesra (land record) of the affected plots has been drafted and is ready for further processing. With this initiative, the authorities are actively working to ensure that the land acquisition proceeds smoothly, helping meet the project’s needs.
Economic Impact and Benefits
The expansion of Raxaul Airport is expected to bring significant benefits to the local community. With the addition of new civil aviation services, the economic condition of the surrounding areas is poised to improve. Increased connectivity will not only benefit travelers but will also stimulate trade and tourism, contributing to the overall economic growth of the region. The enhancement of air transport facilities will create new opportunities for local businesses and industries, leading to an increase in employment and a better standard of living for the residents.
In addition to the direct economic benefits, the airport’s development will strengthen regional security measures. Given the strategic location of Raxaul near the India-Nepal border, this project will enable the reinforcement of security infrastructure in the area. The presence of an upgraded airport will facilitate better coordination between India and Nepal, enhancing border security and enabling faster movement of goods and people.
Historical Significance of Raxaul Airport
The establishment of the Raxaul Airport dates back to the period of the India-China war in 1962-63. Initially, the airport was designed as a military facility to accommodate aircraft in the event of a conflict, specifically due to its proximity to the Nepal border. Over the years, the airport has remained a strategic asset for the region, and now, with the inclusion of Raxaul in the government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, the airport is set to undergo significant upgrades aimed at making it a fully functional civil airport.
The UDAN scheme, launched by the central government, aims to enhance regional air connectivity and make air travel more affordable and accessible for the general public. By incorporating Raxaul into this scheme, the government seeks to fulfill the long-standing dream of connecting the remote region to the rest of the country via air transport.
Required Land for Airport Expansion
In addition to the 137 acres of land already available for the airport, the acquisition of an additional 139 acres is necessary for the planned expansion. This expanded area will enable the construction of additional infrastructure such as runways, terminal buildings, and passenger facilities, enhancing the airport’s capacity to accommodate larger aircraft and more passengers. The land acquisition is a key step in the realization of these goals, as it will provide the necessary space for modernizing the airport and expanding its operations.
The land being acquired will be used to build a more robust airport infrastructure that meets international standards, enabling smoother and more efficient operations. This expansion will also contribute to the larger goal of improving air connectivity in Bihar and the surrounding regions, fostering regional integration and improving transportation options for both domestic and international travelers.The expansion of Raxaul Airport is an important development that will not only enhance air travel options but will also play a pivotal role in the economic growth and security of the region. With the land acquisition process now underway and ₹207.70 crore allocated for the project, the authorities are making significant progress toward transforming Raxaul into a key aviation hub. The initiative will create long-term benefits for the local population, stimulate economic activity, and improve regional security, solidifying Raxaul’s position as an essential part of the India-Nepal border infrastructure. This project is a reflection of the government’s commitment to improving connectivity in remote areas and ensuring the economic empowerment of underserved regions.
