Bihar Cabinet Approves Development of Six Airports Under UDAN Scheme

Current Context: On June 17, 2025, the Bihar Cabinet approved the development of six small airports under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme to strengthen regional air connectivity and spur economic growth in underserved districts.

• An MoU was signed with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for this initiative.

Key Highlights

• Locations: Madhubani, Birpur (Supaul), Munger, Valmikinagar (West Champaran), Muzaffarpur, and Saharsa
• Funding: ₹25 crore allocated per airport; total ₹150 crore
• Signing Venue: MoU announced in Patna, with details shared by S. Siddharth, Additional Chief Secretary
• Partnership: Between Government of Bihar and AAI (New Delhi)
• VAT reduction: Aviation Turbine Fuel VAT slashed from 29% to 4%
• Goal: Enhance tourism, trade, and intra-state connectivity, especially in north and east Bihar.

Question:

Q.1 The MoU for developing airports under the UDAN scheme in Bihar was signed between the state government and which of the following authorities?
a) DGCA
b) NITI Aayog
c) Airports Authority of India (AAI)
d) Ministry of Civil Aviation

Answer: c) The MoU was signed between the Government of Bihar and the Airports Authority of India (AAI).