Purnia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly constructed airport terminal building in Purnia district of Bihar on Monday to boost regional connectivity. This terminal building will not only bring new air travel facilities for the people of Seemanchal and Kosi regions, but will also give new wings to regional connectivity and economic development of Bihar.

In Modi’s presence, a 76-seater aircraft departed for Ahmedabad, followed by another flight to Kolkata. With this, the Prime Minister has fulfilled his promise made to the people of Purnia during the last Lok Sabha elections to build a new airport terminal.

Prime Minister Modi has set a target to connect small towns across the country with the air network under the regional connectivity scheme ‘Udan’. The inauguration of Purnia Airport Terminal is a significant step in this direction. Better air connectivity will transform the socio-economic landscape of Bihar’s Seemanchal and Kosi regions.

The new terminal building of Purnia Airport will not only fulfill the decades-old demand of the Seemanchal region, but will also take Bihar’s air connectivity to new heights. While this will increase convenience for local people, it will also give new momentum to the state’s development and employment generation.

This flight service will benefit about a dozen districts around Purnia division. After Patna, Gaya, and Darbhanga, Purnia is now the fourth airport in Bihar from where commercial flight service has started. IndiGo Airlines will operate flights three days a week between Ahmedabad and Purnia, providing direct connectivity to major industrial cities like Gujarat.

Purnia is the most important city in eastern Bihar and has connections with surrounding cities including Saharsa, Madhepura, Supaul, Araria, Katihar, Bhagalpur, Naugachhia, and Forbesganj, as well as several cities in Nepal and Bengal.

The commencement of the newly constructed interim terminal building at Purnia Airport will expand air services in this region. The terminal is equipped with modern facilities, and after the construction of the new building, passenger handling capacity is expected to increase significantly.

With the start of aircraft movements and their increasing numbers, passengers will now get direct and regular air services to Delhi, Patna, and other major cities. People from districts like Purnia, Katihar, Araria, Kishanganj, Supaul, and Saharsa will now be able to benefit from air services from their nearest city.

Until now, travelers from this region had to go to Patna or Bagdogra, but with the start of this terminal, both time and cost will be saved for passengers.

Purnia Airport

Purnia Airport is a domestic airport located in the northeastern Indian state of Bihar. It was originally established during the British colonial era and was later revitalized and reopened for commercial flights in 2020 to improve regional connectivity. The airport primarily serves the city of Purnia and the surrounding Kosi Seemanchal region.

Seemanchal

Seemanchal is a culturally diverse region in northeastern India, encompassing parts of Bihar and neighboring states, historically known as a center for Islamic education and the 1857 Indian Rebellion. It is characterized by its rich heritage, including the famous Katihar and Kishanganj districts, and remains an important area for agriculture and traditional crafts.

Kosi

Kosi is a traditional fishing village in the Indian state of Kerala, renowned for its unique Chinese fishing nets (cheena vala) that line its waterfront. Its history is tied to ancient trade routes, with some legends suggesting the iconic nets were introduced by Chinese traders from the court of Kublai Khan. Today, it is a major tourist destination, offering a glimpse into Kerala’s historic maritime culture.

Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad is a historic city in western India, founded in the 15th century by Sultan Ahmed Shah. It is renowned for its rich architectural heritage, including the intricately carved Jama Masjid mosque and its role as a center for the Indian independence movement. In 2017, its historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage City.

Kolkata

Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) is the capital of India’s West Bengal state, founded as an East India Company trading post in 1690. It served as the capital of British India until 1911 and is renowned for its colonial architecture, such as the Victoria Memorial, and as a historic center for Indian art, literature, and nationalist thought.

Patna

Patna is the capital and largest city of Bihar, India, with a history dating back over two millennia. It was originally known as Pataliputra and served as the capital of major ancient Indian empires like the Maurya and Gupta dynasties. Today, it is a major administrative and cultural hub situated on the southern bank of the Ganges River.

Gaya

Gaya was a confederacy of city-states that existed in the southern Korean Peninsula from the 1st to the 6th century. It was a significant maritime power known for its iron production and trade with ancient China and Japan. The confederacy was eventually absorbed by its more powerful neighbor, the Silla Kingdom, in 562 CE.

Darbhanga

Darbhanga is a historic city in the Indian state of Bihar, renowned as the cultural and educational hub of the Mithila region. It was the seat of the powerful Darbhanga Raj, an influential Brahmin dynasty that ruled the area from the 16th century until Indian independence. The city is famed for its magnificent palaces, such as the Nargona Palace, and its rich tradition of Mithila painting.