Bihar, where Assembly elections are due in October-November this year, received significant attention from the Centre in Union Budget 2025, presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday, February 1st. The Finance Minister announced that Greenfield airports will be established in Bihar, alongside the expansion of Patna Airport's capacity and the development of a brownfield airport in Bihta.
In her Budget speech in Parliament, FM Sitharaman stated, "Greenfield airports will be established in Bihar to meet the state's future needs. These will complement the expansion of Patna Airport and the development of a brownfield airport in Bihta." She also highlighted the Western Kosi Canal ERM project in Bihar's Mithilanchal region.
"Financial support will be provided for the Western Kosi Canal ERM project, benefiting a large number of farmers cultivating over 50,000 hectares of land in the Mithilanchal region of Bihar," FM Sitharaman announced.
According to the Budget speech, the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management in Bihar will strengthen food processing activities in the region.
Highlighting the UDAN scheme, Sitharaman noted that it has empowered 1.5 crore middle-class individuals to fulfill their aspirations for faster travel. "The initiative has connected 88 ports and airports, operationalizing 619 routes," she stated while introducing an updated version of the program. "Inspired by its success, a revamped Udaan scheme will be launched to enhance regional connectivity, reaching 120 new destinations and transporting four crore passengers over the next decade. The scheme will also promote the development of helipads and smaller airports in hilly, aspirational, and northeastern regions," Finance Minister Sitharaman added.
During her Budget address, she emphasized that Budget 2025 builds on the government's commitment to driving growth, fostering inclusive development, boosting private sector investments, uplifting household confidence, and increasing the spending capacity of India's growing middle class.
The parliamentary Budget session, which commenced on January 31, is scheduled to conclude on April 4. The Budget speech outlined the government's fiscal policies, revenue and expenditure plans, tax reforms, and other key announcements.
