A Blueprint for Doubling Connectivity
The core of the plan involves a landmark agreement between the Union Civil Aviation Ministry and the West Bengal government to dramatically expand the state's aviation footprint under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme. The goal is to develop four
new airports within the next two years, bringing the state's total from four to eight. This initiative intends to decentralise air travel from the congested Kolkata metropolitan area and stimulate growth across multiple regions. The new airports are slated for Chharra in Purulia, Kalaikunda in Paschim Medinipur, Balurghat in Dakshin Dinajpur, and Hasimara in Alipurduar. Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced that this decade-long spending plan is designed to bring West Bengal's aviation infrastructure on par with other rapidly developing states.
The Four New Regional Hubs
Each new airport is strategically chosen to unlock regional potential. In Purulia, the plan involves reviving a historic airstrip at Chharra, originally built during World War II, which could boost tourism to destinations like the Ayodhya Hills. In Paschim Medinipur, a civil enclave will be established at the Kalaikunda Air Force Station, leveraging its existing 2,700-metre runway to serve the industrial hub of Kharagpur. Similarly, the Hasimara Air Force base in Alipurduar will also get a civil terminal, providing crucial access to the Dooars region and the Bhutan border, a boon for both tourism and trade. The revival of the Balurghat airport in Dakshin Dinajpur is expected to significantly improve connectivity between North and South Bengal, which currently relies heavily on road and rail.
Upgrading the Existing Giants
While new airports are a major focus, the plan also includes strengthening existing facilities at Kolkata, Bagdogra, Durgapur, and Cooch Behar. Bagdogra Airport, the gateway to Darjeeling and Sikkim, is undergoing a massive transformation with a new terminal building. The project, expected to cost around ₹3,000 crore, will increase the airport's capacity nearly tenfold to handle up to 10 million passengers annually. The new terminal is designed to be a sustainable, net-zero facility inspired by Himalayan architecture. Meanwhile, Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport is undergoing a ₹337 crore apron expansion to increase aircraft parking bays from 73 to 132. This is part of a larger redevelopment aimed at handling 4.5 crore passengers by 2032-33, which also includes a proposal for a new U-shaped international terminal.
A Second Airport for Kolkata
Addressing the growing congestion at Kolkata's main airport, the Centre has also backed the state government's proposal for a second airport for the city. The state has identified approximately 2,000 acres of land in Kalyani for this proposed greenfield airport. This new facility would supplement the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, catering to the rising demand for both passenger and cargo transport in the eastern region. An airport at Kalyani is envisioned to enhance connectivity, attract investment, and establish the area as a major economic and logistics hub.
The Economic Ripple Effect
This large-scale infrastructure push is about more than just flights; it's a strategic investment in West Bengal's economic future. Improved air connectivity is expected to significantly reduce travel time, lower logistics costs for businesses, and make regional centres more attractive for investment. The development is anticipated to create a multiplier effect, boosting sectors like tourism, hospitality, manufacturing, and real estate. For instance, the Hasimara airport is expected to drive demand for hotels and resorts in the Dooars region, while the Kalaikunda facility will support the industrial belt around Kharagpur. By connecting underserved areas, the plan aims to distribute economic growth more evenly across the state and create new employment opportunities.
