An Ambitious Plan for Regional Connectivity
In early October 2026, the Union Civil Aviation Ministry and the West Bengal government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop four new airports under the Centre's regional connectivity scheme, UDAN. The projects are slated for Charra in Purulia,
Kalaikunda in Paschim Medinipur, Balurghat in Dakshin Dinajpur, and Hasimara in Alipurduar. The goal is to make these airports operational within two years, potentially increasing the number of active airports in the state from three to eight and significantly enhancing access to air travel for residents in previously underserved regions. This network expansion is seen as a critical driver for tourism, trade, and economic growth, particularly by better linking North and South Bengal.
The Intricate Web of Approvals
The headline-grabbing announcements are just the first step. Before any flights can take off, each project must clear a series of critical hurdles. The responsibility is shared: the state government is tasked with providing the necessary land and ensuring basic infrastructure like power and water is in place. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will then oversee the development of airport infrastructure and manage flight operations once they are ready. This process involves preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), conducting feasibility assessments, and securing clearances from multiple bodies, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for safety and operational standards. Each step, from land acquisition to final licensing, can be time-consuming and subject to delays, making the two-year timeline an ambitious target.
Spotlight on the Projects
The four proposed sites represent a mix of reviving old airstrips and creating new facilities. In Purulia, the new airport at Charra will be built on a site that has a historical, but long-unused, runway from World War II. At Kalaikunda and Hasimara, the plan is to build civil enclaves at existing Indian Air Force bases, which already have long runways capable of handling narrow-bodied jets like the Airbus A320. The revival of Balurghat airport is a long-standing demand. Recent announcements suggest an initial plan for 19-seater aircraft, with a goal to expand for larger 72-seater ATR aircraft, which would require acquiring an additional 150 acres of land. The progress for each location depends heavily on these site-specific challenges being met in a coordinated fashion.
The Land Acquisition Challenge
For any major infrastructure project in India, land acquisition is often the most significant and unpredictable hurdle. The success of Bengal's airport network is no different. The state government is responsible for handing over encumbrance-free land to the AAI for all four projects. The situation at Malda airport, which has also been considered for revival, illustrates the potential difficulties. Efforts to make it functional have been hampered by issues like encroachment and surrounding high-rise buildings, prompting authorities to identify an entirely new site for a potential airport. Even for Balurghat, the plan to accommodate larger aircraft is entirely dependent on the successful acquisition of around 150 acres. These land-related processes must be completed before any significant construction can begin.
What's Next for Bengal's Skies?
With the MoUs signed, the focus now shifts to execution. The AAI is in the process of preparing detailed project reports to assess the commercial viability of each location. The state administration is tasked with pushing forward land acquisition and infrastructure support. While officials have expressed optimism about a two-year completion timeline, past experiences with similar large-scale projects suggest that a 2028 target may be more realistic. In addition to these four projects, there is also a push to revive Cooch Behar airport, strengthen the existing airport at Andal, and even build a second major airport for Kolkata in Kalyani to handle growing passenger traffic.
