International Airport to be Built in Sultanganj to Boost Religious Tourism: Samrat Choudhary

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary stated on Tuesday that an international-standard airport would be constructed in Sultanganj to promote religious tourism. He added that, in addition to this, a ropeway from Ajgaibinath to Aguwani Ghat, a Ganga Path (Marine Drive) from Bhagalpur to Munger, new townships, and industrial corridors would be developed. According to a statement issued by the Deputy Chief Minister’s office, Choudhary—after inaugurating a service camp on the Kanwariya Path in Sultanganj—remarked that the Shravani Mela is not merely a festival of faith but a vibrant symbol of Bihar’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions. He affirmed that the state government is fully committed to ensuring the convenience, safety, and proper management of facilities for the pilgrims. The Deputy Chief Minister said, “The construction of the Aguwani-Sultanganj Ganga bridge will be completed before December 31, 2027. Work on the four-lane road from Sultanganj to Deoghar will also accelerate after the monsoon season, while the process for the new Sultanganj-Deoghar railway line is already underway.” He mentioned that the Ajgaibinath Dham area would be developed into a major religious tourism hub, featuring ghats on both sides—modeled after Haridwar—and comprehensive area development. Choudhary added that projects involving dolphin tourism, a Ganga Park, and a ropeway are also in progress. He stated, “The Vikramshila Township in Nathnagar and the ‘Ang Township’ in the Bariarpur-Munger region will be developed. Industrial corridors established in Goradih and Asarganj will create new opportunities for employment and investment.” The Deputy Chief Minister noted that the Shravani Mela is one of the world’s largest festivals of faith, drawing millions of pilgrims who undertake a foot pilgrimage from Sultanganj to Deoghar while chanting ‘Bol Bam’. He added that all relevant departments, including the Tourism Department, are working in coordination to facilitate the pilgrims, and local residents are also assisting the Kanwariyas with a spirit of service. Praying to Baba Ajgaibinath and Baba Baidyanath for the well-being and prosperity of the state’s residents and the continuous development of Bihar, Chaudhary expressed confidence that, with the cooperation of the administration and local people, this year’s Shravani Mela would be better organized and more convenient.