A Vision for a Connected Bengal
West Bengal is poised for a significant aviation infrastructure upgrade, with plans to develop four new airports within the next two years. This initiative, a collaboration between the Centre and the state government, aims to double the number of operational
airports in the state from four to eight. Currently, commercial flights are primarily concentrated at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport and Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, with limited operations at Durgapur and Cooch Behar. The new plan promises to decentralize air access, potentially unlocking economic growth and tourism in regions that have long been remote.
The UDAN Scheme Takes Flight
This ambitious expansion is powered by the Centre's UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) regional connectivity scheme. Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the state government, West Bengal is set to receive significant investment, with reports suggesting a commitment of ₹29,000 crore over the next decade. The UDAN scheme is designed to make air travel more affordable and accessible by reviving unused and underserved airports in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Under the agreement, the state government is responsible for providing land and basic utilities, while the Airports Authority of India (AAI) will manage the development of airport infrastructure and subsequent flight operations.
Spotlight on the New Hubs
The four locations identified for this development push are strategically spread across the state. They include greenfield or revival projects at Charra in Purulia and Balurghat in Dakshin Dinajpur, along with the creation of civil enclaves at existing Air Force bases in Hasimara (Alipurduar) and Kalaikunda (Paschim Medinipur). The air force bases at Hasimara and Kalaikunda already possess long runways capable of handling larger narrow-bodied aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, which could fast-track their conversion for civilian use. In Balurghat, the Chief Minister recently announced that the airport would become operational within a year, initially with smaller 19-seater aircraft, though ambitions exist for larger ATR-72 services, which would require further land acquisition. The state has handed over the existing airport to the Ministry of Civil Aviation to facilitate this process.
The Malda Airport Question
Beyond the four confirmed sites, the revival of other airstrips is also a key part of the conversation. Malda airport, in particular, has seen renewed efforts. The district administration recently initiated surveys for a major runway extension, aiming to nearly double its current length to accommodate scheduled flights. However, challenges such as surrounding high-rise buildings and encroachments have led to proposals for an entirely new airport at an alternative site between Malda and Gazole, a move championed by the local Member of Parliament. While Malda was mentioned in some initial plans, the primary focus of the signed MoU remains on the four other locations. The state has, however, urged the Centre to include Malda's development in the next phase.
Unlocking Economic Potential
The broader goal of this connectivity push extends far beyond passenger convenience. New airports are expected to be powerful economic engines for their regions. Officials believe improved air access will boost tourism, trade, agriculture, and industrial development. For instance, an airport at Hasimara would provide a direct gateway to the Dooars region, a popular tourist destination. Similarly, better connectivity to Purulia and the western districts could spur industrial investment in sectors like steel and cement. The development is also anticipated to create significant direct and indirect employment opportunities, driving economic growth in some of the state's less-developed areas.
