For Prelims: Greenfield airport, National highway, Central university
For Mains: Geography: Bihar: rivers and regional geography; Economy: Infrastructure and regional development
Source:
Hindustan
5 facts for one-day exams
SSC, railway, police and teaching exams ask direct questions like these.
- Ajgaibinath Dham Greenfield Airport is proposed at Sultanganj in Bhagalpur district.
- The airport’s preliminary cost estimate is ₹3,500 crore.
- Vikramshila Central University has a preliminary cost estimate of ₹1,000 crore.
- The Kosi bridge between Bihpur and Phulaut is approximately 6.93 km long.
- The four-lane Kosi bridge is on National Highway 106.
The news
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to lay the foundation stones of the proposed Ajgaibinath Dham Greenfield Airport and Vikramshila Central University during a visit to Bihar on 21 November 2026. The visit, which marks one year of the NDA government in the state, will also include a public meeting in Vaishali. According to JDU MP from Bhagalpur Ajay Mandal, the Prime Minister may virtually inaugurate these projects, which are intended to boost development in the Ang region of eastern Bihar.
The preliminary cost estimate for the greenfield airport at Sultanganj in Bhagalpur district is ₹3,500 crore, while the central university is estimated at ₹1,000 crore. Officials said the Prime Minister may also inaugurate the nearly completed four-lane Kosi Mahasetu on National Highway 106, which connects Bihpur in Bhagalpur district with Phulaut in Madhepura district. The bridge is approximately 6.93 km long and is expected to improve connectivity between the Kosi and Ang regions. However, official confirmation of the projects to be launched has not yet been shared.
Why in the news?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to Bihar on 21 November 2026, coinciding with the NDA government’s first anniversary, may see the foundation-laying of two major projects—Ajgaibinath Dham Greenfield Airport and Vikramshila Central University—along with the inauguration of the Kosi Mahasetu, making it a significant infrastructure event for eastern Bihar.
What is a greenfield airport under India's civil aviation policy?
A greenfield airport is a new airport built on an undeveloped site, distinct from the expansion of an existing brownfield airport. The Government of India's Greenfield Airports Policy, formulated in 2008, guides the planning and approval of such projects. Under this policy, the Steering Committee on Greenfield Airports, headed by the Secretary of Civil Aviation, examines proposals for site clearance and in-principle approval. The policy encourages state governments to lead the development, with the Airports Authority of India providing technical support where required.
What are the proposed projects and their locations?
The Ajgaibinath Dham Greenfield Airport is proposed at Sultanganj in Bhagalpur district. A greenfield airport is developed as a new facility rather than through expansion of an existing one. Vikramshila Central University, with a preliminary cost of ₹1,000 crore, is also planned in the same district. The Kosi Mahasetu, a four-lane bridge approximately 6.93 km long on National Highway 106, connects Bihpur in Bhagalpur with Phulaut in Madhepura district and is nearly complete.
What is the current status of these projects?
The Kosi bridge is nearly complete and may be inaugurated, whereas the airport and university remain proposed projects for which foundation stones are expected to be laid. Officials said the final project costs, implementation schedules and operational readiness would determine their actual impact on connectivity, education and tourism in the Ang region.
Bihar’s proposed airport and university
| Project | Preliminary cost | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ajgaibinath Dham Airport | ₹3,500 crore | Proposed |
| Vikramshila Central University | ₹1,000 crore | Proposed |
Bihar connection
Facts and terms for exams
- Greenfield airport:
- An airport developed as a new facility rather than through expansion of an existing airport.
- National highway:
- A major road in India designated as part of the national highway network.
- Central university:
- A university established by an Act of Parliament.
Why it matters for exams
Exams: BPSC, BSSC
Syllabus: Geography: Bihar: rivers and regional geography; Economy: Infrastructure and regional development
Common mistake: Examiners may swap the airport and university cost estimates or describe a proposed inauguration as completed: ₹3,500 crore is the airport estimate, ₹1,000 crore is the university estimate, and the bridge inauguration is only a possibility.
Mains question
Infrastructure projects in Bihar’s Ang region are expected to boost connectivity and education. Discuss the potential benefits and challenges in executing such large-scale projects in eastern India.
Stuck? Get it in one tap
Bihar has proposed a new airport at Sultanganj and Vikramshila Central University. A greenfield airport is a newly developed airport rather than an expansion of an existing one. A separate bridge across the Kosi River is nearly complete, and its inauguration is being considered.
- Ajgaibinath Dham Greenfield Airport is proposed at Sultanganj in Bhagalpur district.
- The airport’s preliminary cost estimate is ₹3,500 crore.
- Vikramshila Central University has a preliminary cost estimate of ₹1,000 crore.
- The Kosi bridge between Bihpur and Phulaut is approximately 6.93 km long.
- The four-lane Kosi bridge is on National Highway 106.
- Geography: Bihar: rivers and regional geography
- Economy: Infrastructure and regional development
Related concepts: Greenfield airport, National highway, Central university
Practice questions
Pick an answer, then read the explanation.
- Q1Easy
The nearly completed Bihpur–Phulaut bridge crosses which river in Bihar?
Explanation: The bridge crosses the Kosi River between Bihpur and Phulaut. Kosi and Ang are regions, Bhagalpur and Madhepura are districts, and Bihpur and Phulaut are the bridge endpoints.
- Q2Hard
Consider the following statements about Bihar’s proposed infrastructure projects in November 2026:
- 1.Ajgaibinath Dham Greenfield Airport is proposed at Sultanganj.
- 2.Vikramshila Central University has a preliminary cost estimate of ₹3,500 crore.
- 3.The Kosi bridge connects Bihpur in Bhagalpur district with Phulaut in Madhepura district.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 correctly identify the airport location and bridge endpoints. Statement 2 is incorrect: ₹1,000 crore is the university’s preliminary estimate, while ₹3,500 crore is the airport estimate.
- Q3Medium
What is the approximate length of the Kosi bridge between Bihpur and Phulaut on National Highway 106?
Explanation: The four-lane Bihpur–Phulaut bridge is approximately 6.93 km long. The other lengths are different from that estimate.
- Q4Medium
Which outcome could the Kosi bridge between Bihpur and Phulaut support after it becomes operational?
Explanation: The bridge connects Bihpur and Phulaut across the Kosi River and could improve regional connectivity. The university and airport are separate projects, while Sultanganj is in Bhagalpur district.
Frequently asked questions
1. Where is Ajgaibinath Dham Greenfield Airport proposed?
The airport is proposed at Sultanganj in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district.
2. What is the estimated cost of Vikramshila Central University?
The university has a preliminary cost estimate of approximately ₹1,000 crore.
3. Which places does the Kosi bridge on National Highway 106 connect?
The bridge connects Bihpur in Bhagalpur district with Phulaut in Madhepura district.
4. How long is the Bihpur–Phulaut Kosi bridge?
The four-lane bridge is approximately 6.93 km long.
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- Original11 November 2026 · Read story
