Aim to increase air connectivity 10 times: Chief Minister

Darbhanga (Irfan Ahmed Pedal) Chief Minister Smriti Choudhary said on Thursday that the state government aims to increase air connectivity in Bihar by 10 times in the next five years, so that four to five crore people can travel by air from the state every year. On this occasion, the Chief Minister formally inaugurated the program by lighting the lamp in the premises of Darbhanga Airport. The Chief Minister handed over the command of Darbhanga Airport security to the Director General of Police, Mr. Praveer Ranjan, Director General of Central Industrial Security Force, by presenting the CISF flag and symbolic key.

Addressing the program, the Chief Minister said that today is a historic and very important day. Keeping in mind the appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this ceremony has been organized on a small scale. The Prime Minister has emphasized that citizens should contribute in every possible way to strengthen the Indian economy. He has said that most programs should be held through video conferencing. If there is any important event, it should be kept on a small scale. Keeping in mind the Prime Minister's appeal, we have directed public representatives and administrative departments to minimize the use of vehicles while taking necessary security measures. He said that this will save fuel and strengthen the country's economy.

The Chief Minister said that this land of Mithila strengthens the culture of India. Mother Janaki was born here. Lord Rama came here. This land is a symbol of sacrifice. The traditions and products of Mithila are spreading rapidly all over the world. The world knows Makhana as a superfood, which originated from here. Prime Minister Modi often mentions it in his speeches. Mithanchal has got its identity from Makhana in the world. Former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been working continuously for the development of Bihar, including Mithila. Before 2005, there was an atmosphere of fear in this entire region. It used to take 10 hours to reach Jaynagar and Nirmali from Patna. Due to the development work done by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Mithila, the entire scenario has changed. A large number of bridges and roads have been constructed in this area. Apart from road connectivity, there has been a significant expansion in rail connectivity in this area.

The Chief Minister said that in 2005, the number of people traveling by air from Bihar was only around 2.5 lakh per year, which has now increased to more than 50 lakh. Our goal is to increase air connectivity in Bihar by 10 times in the next five years. We are creating a system so that in the next five years, four to five crore people from Bihar can travel by air. Former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar not only laid a network of roads in Bihar but also worked a lot for the expansion of airports. He also ensured the arrangement of land for the establishment of AIIMS in Bihar. We are taking his work forward. Darbhanga airport is not just a place, but it is an important means to take the products of Mithanchal to the world market. In the next five years, the state government will work towards setting up a new industry in place of the closed Ashok Paper Mill.

The Chief Minister said that we have to expand air traffic in all districts, whether it is in the form of an airport, airstrips, or heliports. Tenders have been done for the establishment of airports in Muzaffarpur, Raxaul, Saharsa, and Beerpur. Purnia airport is already operational. Monghyr, Ajgibinath, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai airports will also be made operational in every way. A meeting is scheduled with the Civil Aviation Department and central government officials next week. We will request the Prime Minister to name Darbhanga Airport after Baba Vidyapati. We will also work to make this airport an international airport. Darbhanga and Mithila are the central points of Bihar. The development work done by former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will be taken forward, and three times more development work will be done, only then will Bihar become developed.

The Bihar government has provided 110 acres of land for the establishment of a regional training center of the Central Industrial Security Force in the Pothia Anchal of Kishanganj district. If more land is needed, it will be provided. The government has assured that all necessary facilities will be provided to the Central Industrial Security Force. The safety of the people of Bihar is our priority. We are working in every possible way to ensure the prosperity and security of Bihar.