From the heart of Purnea, we’ve watched for years as the promise of an airport, a symbol of progress and connectivity, has remained just that – a promise. It’s a sentiment shared by many here, a mix of hope whenever a new deadline is announced, and a lingering skepticism rooted in a decade of unfulfilled commitments.
We remember clearly, back in August 2015, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking right here in Bihar, included an airport for Purnea in a larger special package for our state. It was a moment of genuine excitement. We envisioned easier travel, new business opportunities, and a vital link to the rest of the country. Yet, as the years turned into a decade, that excitement steadily waned into frustration.
Through 2019, Prime Minister Modi reiterated the airport promise in various rallies, but on the ground, little changed. We saw no concrete steps, no visible progress. By 2023, promises of operations beginning at other regional airports, like Muzaffarpur’s Patahi, by Diwali were made, yet even those went unfulfilled, mirroring Purnea’s stagnant situation. The news of broken boundary walls and cattle on runways at Muzaffarpur only served to highlight the neglect that these vital projects faced.
A Cycle of Promises and Shifting Deadlines
It has become a familiar cycle. Before every election, the Purnea airport features prominently in political speeches and manifestos. Leaders, particularly from the BJP and JD(U), are quick to highlight the project as a testament to their commitment to regional development. However, when questions arise about the delays, the narrative often shifts. We hear about “bureaucratic hurdles” or “land acquisition issues,” with responsibility often passed between the state and central governments. What we rarely hear is a clear acceptance of accountability for the years of delay.
The opposition, especially leaders like Jairam Ramesh of the Congress, has consistently pointed to the Purnea airport as an example of what they term “jumla” – empty promises. Their repeated questions about the project’s incomplete status resonate deeply with us, the residents who have waited so long.
Glimmers of Hope in 2025 – But Can We Trust It?
Recently, however, there have been some more concrete developments that have rekindled a cautious optimism. In July 2025, Bihar’s Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena visited the Purnea airport site. He held a high-level review meeting with officials and reportedly issued “strict instructions to speed up construction and complete all work within deadlines.” This hands-on approach, we hope, signifies a genuine push.
Furthermore, in February 2025, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) formally approved the construction of the terminal building, with a tender finalized at ₹33.99 crore and a four-month completion target. This was a significant step, moving the project from planning to execution.
The Bihar government has since made public claims that flight operations are expected to commence before August 15, 2025. Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary has specifically stated that flights would take off before Independence Day. We also see ongoing work on connecting roads, compound walls, and basic passenger amenities. The release of funds and the visible push certainly suggest a heightened effort.
Our Perspective: Hope Mixed with History
| Year | Promise/Announcement | Promised By | Status/Outcome |
| 2015 | Purnea airport announced | PM Modi | No significant progress for several years |
| 2019 | Reiterated airport promise | PM Modi | Still pending, no concrete steps |
| 2023 | Ops by Diwali (Muzaffarpur) | Amit Shah/BJP | Not delivered, similar neglect in Purnea |
| Feb 2025 | Terminal construction approved | AAI/State Govt | Work started, 4-month target |
| July 2025 | Flights by 15 August claimed | Bihar Govt | Work ongoing, deadline approaching, skepticism remains |
For us in Purnea, this latest flurry of activity feels strategically timed, especially with the upcoming state elections on the horizon. While we appreciate the renewed focus and the visible signs of progress, our skepticism is high due to the long history of missed deadlines and what often felt like political posturing.
The Purnea airport project has become a stark illustration of how promises can be used in the political arena without commensurate accountability. We have seen deadlines repeatedly overlooked, and it appears that substantial progress only truly begins under sustained public and opposition pressure. As we approach August 15, 2025, we remain hopeful but also vigilant. The ultimate test will be whether this time, the promises are truly delivered, allowing our airport to finally take flight and serve the people of Purnea and Seemanchal.
