Bihar cabinet approves ₹10.40 cr VGF to operate direct flight between Gaya Ji-Bangkok

In a bid to strengthen international air connectivity and boost religious tourism, the Bihar cabinet on Wednesday (May 20, 2026) approved Rs 10.40 crore as Viability Gap Fund (VGF) to operate direct flights between Gaya Ji and Bangkok.

The decision was taken in the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Samrat Chaudhary. A total of 13 agenda items were approved at the meeting.

“In order to enhance air connectivity on new international routes in Bihar, the Cabinet approved the proposal of the Civil Aviation Department to start non-stop air service on the international route between Gaya Ji and Bangkok. M/s InterGlobe Aviation Limited (Indigo Airlines) has been selected on nomination basis to operate the flight service between the two cities,” Arvind Kumar Chaudhary, Additional Principal Secretary, Department of Cabinet Secretariat, said in a post-cabinet briefing.

The VGF amount of ₹ 10.40 crore has been approved for a period of up to 12 months, Mr. Arvind Kumar Chaudhary said, adding that the company (Indigo) will initially operate two flights every week and ₹ 5 lakh per trip will be given as VGF.

ACS said flight service is expected to start soon, possibly before the start of the next tourist season, giving confidence that other airlines will also come forward in the near future.

The direct air connectivity is expected to increase the arrival of foreign tourists, especially Buddhist pilgrims from Thailand who visit Buddhist heritage sites in Bihar every year, he said, adding that the initiative could create employment opportunities in the state’s tourism and hospitality sectors.

In another important decision, the cabinet approved advance of ₹747.97 crore from Bihar Emergency Fund (BCF) under Health Sector Grant from the central government for rural local institutions. The fund will be spent on strengthening health services as well as creating infrastructure related to the health sector.

The fund will be used to improve diagnostic infrastructure for primary healthcare facilities, block-level public health units, sub-centres without buildings, as well as converting rural primary healthcare centers and sub-centres into “health and wellness centres”.

The cabinet also approved sanction of ₹428.08 crore for construction of a reservoir to ensure availability of water and other essential works at IMC (Integrated Manufacturing Cluster) in Gaya Ji, Mr. Arvind Kumar Chaudhary said, adding that the decision will benefit the water requirements of upcoming industrial units in IMC. This reservoir will have the capacity to store water for a year.

The ACS has created a new post of Inspector General (Border) under the Special Branch to strengthen border security and intelligence gathering along Bihar’s shared international borders with Nepal, it said, adding that this will greatly help in maintaining vigilance along the Nepal border.

The cabinet also decided to release funds for the fiscal year 2026-27 based on the recommendations received from the Sixth State Finance Commission for the fiscal year 2026-27 for the period 2021-25.