A Strategic Push for Connectivity
In a significant move to bolster regional connectivity, the West Bengal government and the Union Civil Aviation Ministry have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop four new airports. The projects fall under the Centre's UDAN (Ude Desh
ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which is designed to enhance air access to underserved areas. The agreement outlines a plan to establish airports at Chharra in Purulia, Kalaikunda in Paschim Medinipur, Balurghat in Dakshin Dinajpur, and Hasimara in Alipurduar. This initiative is expected to take the state's current count of three operational airports—Kolkata, Bagdogra, and Andal—to seven, vastly improving travel and trade infrastructure.
Kalaikunda: Serving the Industrial Heartland
The proposal includes creating a civil enclave at the Kalaikunda Air Force Station in Paschim Medinipur. Its existing 2,700-metre runway can already handle narrow-bodied aircraft like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, making it a prime candidate for rapid development. Located just 15 km from Kharagpur, a major industrial and railway hub, the airport is perfectly positioned to serve the region's industrial parks and the prestigious IIT Kharagpur. The new enclave would provide crucial connectivity for Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, and even parts of neighbouring Odisha, boosting business and passenger travel. The state government is set to provide the required land for developing the civil-use infrastructure.
Chharra: Reviving a World War II Airstrip
In Purulia, the plan involves transforming a long-abandoned World War II-era airstrip at Chharra into a modern airport. Built by the British, the airfield has remained largely unused for decades. The project will see the construction of a new airport, which will not only serve Purulia but also the vital industrial belts in nearby Jharkhand, including Dhanbad and Jamshedpur. The revival of the Chharra site is seen as a catalyst for economic growth, supporting tourism and industry in one of the state's westernmost districts. Initial phases will focus on making the airport operational for smaller aircraft, with plans for future expansion.
Balurghat and Hasimara: Connecting North and South
The other two locations are equally strategic. The project will revive and expand the existing airport at Balurghat in Dakshin Dinajpur, strengthening the crucial air link between North and South Bengal. In the north, a civil enclave will be developed at the Hasimara Air Force Base in Alipurduar district. This will be a game-changer for the Dooars region, which is rich in tea gardens and a popular tourist destination. Its proximity to the Bhutan border also positions Hasimara as a potential gateway for international tourists and trade.
The Broader Vision and Economic Impact
This four-airport plan is part of a larger vision for West Bengal's infrastructure. The Centre has committed significant investment under the UDAN scheme for the state over the next decade. Beyond these four sites, discussions are also underway for a second international airport for Kolkata, with land identified at Kalyani to ease the growing pressure on the existing airport. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has also requested the inclusion of Malda and Cooch Behar in the next phase of airport development. The comprehensive push is aimed at boosting agriculture, industry, tourism, and employment, fundamentally reshaping the state’s economic landscape and making it a key aviation hub in eastern India.
