Bihar Cabinet Approves MoU for Six New Airports, 5-Star Hotel
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar inspects elevated road project (Image BIHAR IPRD)
Bihar Cabinet on poll eve goes on project announcement spree
By AMIT KUMAR
PATNA, June 17, 2025 — The Bihar Cabinet on Tuesday approved a slew of development projects aimed at improving regional air connectivity, boosting tourism infrastructure, strengthening agricultural procurement, and enhancing educational and industrial growth across the state.
In a major step towards expanding air travel under the Centre’s UDAN scheme, the Cabinet approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and the Bihar government for the development of six small airports. These will be located in Madhubani, Veerpur, Munger, Valmikinagar, Muzaffarpur, and Saharsa.
Announcing the decision, Cabinet Secretariat Department’s Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) S. Siddharth said that the initiative aims to boost regional connectivity and economic growth. The Cabinet sanctioned an initial allocation of ₹25 crore for the development of each airport.
Luxury Hotel, Tourism Push
The Cabinet also approved awarding a contract to Kumar Infratrade Enterprises Pvt Ltd, Patna, for developing a five-star hotel on the premises of the defunct Hotel Patliputra Ashok, near the Income Tax roundabout in Patna. The project will be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model on a 60-year lease, extendable by another 30 years. The bidder will pay lease charges in proportion to the Market Value Rate (MVR) and annual lease deed fees.
This is the first of three five-star hotels proposed by the Tourism Department in the capital. Bidding is underway for two additional hotels at Bankipore Bus Stand and Sultan Palace. The initiative aims to cater to growing demand for premium accommodations among domestic and international tourists, while also generating employment.
Support for Farmers at MSP
In a move to support farmers and enhance the production of pulses and oilseeds, the Cabinet approved procurement at Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for the 2025–26 Rabi Marketing Season. The MSPs were fixed at:
- ₹5,650 per quintal for chana (chickpeas),
- ₹6,700 per quintal for masoor (lentils), and
- ₹5,950 per quintal for mustard.
Key Educational and Administrative Reforms
The Cabinet approved the Bihar State School Clerk (Appointment, Service Conditions and Disciplinary Action) Rules, allowing compassionate appointments for wards of deceased teaching and non-teaching staff. Of the total sanctioned posts, 50% will be filled on compassionate grounds and 50% via direct recruitment.
It also gave the go-ahead for the Bihar State School Librarian Cadre Rules, 2025, paving the way for librarian appointments in secondary and higher secondary schools to improve the quality of education. Additionally, three advisor posts were approved for overseeing the implementation and monitoring of Education Department schemes.
Industrial and Infrastructure Boost
The Cabinet approved the transfer of 70.5 acres of land in Amnour circle of Saran district to the Industries Department for setting up an industrial area.
It also cleared the transfer of 0.1555 acres from Chandragupta Institute of Management, Patna, to the Urban Development and Housing Department for the construction of Mithapur Metro Station, at a cost of ₹10.49 crore.
To improve mobile connectivity, an amendment to the Bihar Building Bylaws 2014 was approved, allowing the installation of 5G antennas within building premises. To regulate sand mining, the Cabinet sanctioned ₹2.58 crore for a Replenishment Study of five rivers — Sone, Kiul, Falgu, Morhar, and Chanan — to be conducted by the Central Mine Planning & Design Institute (CMPDI).
The Cabinet also extended the contract of 1,717 Special Auxiliary Police (SAP) personnel—retired Indian Army staff—for FY 2025–26. To support athletic talent in the state, the Cabinet approved the State Sports Academy and International Cricket Academy, Rajgir – Sports Trainer Cadre (Recruitment and Service Conditions) Rules, 2025, aimed at providing professional training to budding athletes.
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