Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday attended a formal ceremony marking the transfer of security at Darbhanga Airport to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Photo: Aftab Alam Siddiqui
By A Correspondent
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday attended a formal ceremony marking the transfer of security at Darbhanga Airport to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
The event, held within the airport premises, began with the traditional lighting of a ceremonial lamp. The Chief Minister formally handed over the CISF flag and a symbolic key to Director General Praveer Ranjan, officially entrusting the force with responsibility for airport security.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Choudhary described the occasion as “historic and significant”. Referring to an appeal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said the programme had been deliberately kept small. The Prime Minister has urged citizens to support the national economy by holding most events via video conferencing and limiting large gatherings.
The Chief Minister added that public representatives and officials had been instructed to use fewer vehicles while ensuring essential security. This, he said, would help save fuel and strengthen the country’s economy.
Highlighting the cultural importance of the Mithila region, he said it had greatly enriched Indian heritage. He noted that Goddess Sita is believed to have been born there and that Lord Ram had visited the region. He also emphasised Mithila’s growing global recognition, particularly for makhana (fox nuts), now widely known as a “superfood”.
Mr Choudhary credited former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, along with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for transforming the region’s infrastructure. He said that before 2005, travel from Patna to areas like Jaynagar and Nirmali could take up to 10 hours, but improved roads, bridges and rail links have significantly reduced travel time.
Speaking on aviation growth, he said that the number of annual air travellers from Bihar had risen from around 2.5 lakh in 2005–06 to over 50 lakh today. The government aims to increase air connectivity tenfold in the next five years, enabling 40–50 million passengers to travel by air from the state.
He added that Darbhanga Airport is not just a transport hub but a key gateway for exporting Mithila’s products to global markets. The state government also plans to establish a new industry on the site of the closed Ashok Paper Mill within the next five years.
The Chief Minister further announced plans to expand air traffic facilities across all districts, whether through airports, airstrips or heliports. Tenders have already been issued for airports in Muzaffarpur, Raxaul, Saharsa and Veerpur, while Purnia Airport has become operational. Efforts are also under way to start airports in Munger, Ajgaibinath, Bhagalpur and Begusarai.
He said a meeting with officials from the Civil Aviation Department and the Central Government is scheduled next week. The state will also request the Prime Minister to name Darbhanga Airport after poet Vidyapati and to upgrade it into an international airport.
Mr Choudhary reiterated that public safety remains the government’s top priority. He confirmed that 110 acres of land have been allocated in Pothia block of Kishanganj district for setting up a regional training centre for the CISF, with additional land to be provided if needed.
Several leaders, including JD(U) National Working President and MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, MP Gopal Ji Thakur, and BJP state president Sanjay Saraogi, also addressed the gathering.
During the programme, CISF personnel showcased their skills through a live demonstration, highlighting the force’s efficiency and preparedness. The Chief Minister was welcomed by local representatives and officials with bouquets, traditional attire and a garland made of makhana.
Several ministers, legislators, senior officials, and CISF personnel were present at the event.
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