The tender process for the construction of a boundary wall of Purnea Airport has been finalised, marking a key step towards enhancing the facility’s infrastructure. Awarded to Ragini Enterprises at a cost of ₹4.73 crore (₹47.38 million), the project is expected to be completed within nine months, with work slated to begin shortly.

The development comes as part of broader efforts to operationalise Purnea Airport, which authorities have promised will be ready for flights within the next three months.

The decision to award the contract was taken during a departmental meeting on 28 February 2025, following a competitive bidding process.

The boundary wall, a critical security feature, is budgeted at ₹4.7 crore, though the final agreement with Ragini Enterprises reflects a slight increase of 2.11% over the initial estimate. Officials have confirmed that all tender-related details are available on the departmental website, ensuring transparency.

A Two-Round Tender Journey

The tender process wasn’t without its hurdles. The first call for bids was issued on 30 December 2024, attracting three contenders: Trisha Construction, GPW Infratech Private Limited, and Ragini Enterprises. However, only one company cleared the technical evaluation, prompting authorities to relaunch the tender on 10 January 2025. In the second round, Ragini Enterprises emerged as the sole technically qualified bidder.

Their financial bid of ₹4,64,02,493 (₹46.4 million) was finalised at ₹4,73,81,586 (₹47.38 million) after negotiations, with no objections raised by 27 February.

This isn’t the first time Purnea’s airport development has seen procedural twists. Recent reports indicate that the Airports Authority of India (AAI) approved the construction of an interim terminal building in late February 2025, a project pegged at ₹33.99 crore and expected to conclude within four months. Together, these efforts signal a concerted push to transform Chunapur Airport into a functional hub.

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Why Purnea Airport Matters

Located in Bihar’s Seemanchal region, Purnea’s Chunapur Airport has long been a focal point for local aspirations. Currently a small airstrip primarily used for military purposes, it is poised for a civilian upgrade amid growing demand for air connectivity in eastern Bihar. The state government’s ambitious 2025-26 budget, unveiled on 3 March 2025, allocates funds for seven new airports across Bihar, with Purnea highlighted as a priority.

Finance Minister Samrat Chaudhary announced that the airport could be operational within three months—a timeline that hinges on the swift completion of projects like the boundary wall and terminal.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been a vocal advocate for the airport’s development. During his Pragati Yatra in January 2025, he reviewed progress at the site and instructed officials to expedite work. The boundary wall, spanning the airport’s perimeter, is seen as a foundational step to secure the facility ahead of its anticipated launch.

Boosting Connectivity and Economy

Once operational, Purnea Airport is expected to serve the Kosi and Seemanchal regions, areas historically underserved by air travel. Improved connectivity could unlock economic potential, from agriculture to tourism, in a district known for its maize production and proximity to Nepal.

Plans to widen State Highway-65 into a four-lane road leading to the airport further underscore the government’s commitment to integrating Purnea into Bihar’s transport network.

Local voices have been clamouring for this moment. In February 2025, social activist Vijay Kumar Shrivastava appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce an inauguration date, reflecting the community’s eagerness. While the boundary wall’s completion by late 2025 or early 2026 won’t directly launch flights, it lays critical groundwork for the airport’s broader revival.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the optimism, challenges remain. Purnea Airport’s history includes sporadic flight attempts—four since its inception—all of which ceased due to logistical or funding issues.

The current timeline of “three months” for operations, as stated in the budget, seems ambitious given the ongoing construction phases. Experts suggest that synchronising the boundary wall, terminal, and regulatory approvals will be key to meeting this target.

For now, the tender’s conclusion offers a tangible sign of progress. As Ragini Enterprises prepares to break ground, all eyes are on Purnea to see if this long-awaited project will finally take flight.