The proposed airports are at Chharra in Purulia, Balurghat in South Dinajpur, Hasimara in Alipurduar and Kalaikunda in Paschim Medinipur
In a move to expand regional air connectivity, West Bengal is set to sign tripartite MoUs with the Centre for four airports under the UDAN scheme. The projects at Chharra, Balurghat, Hasimara and Kalaikunda are aimed at improving air access across key districts and tourism regions.
According to a press statement, the state government will provide land and develop basic infrastructure, including electricity and water. AAI will oversee airport infrastructure and flight operations.
The statement adds that the MoUs are scheduled to be signed at Nabanna Sabhaghar on September 23 in the presence of K R Naidu Union Civil Aviation Minister and Suvendu Adhikari, Chief Minister Senior officials from the Civil Aviation Ministry and Airports Authority of India (AAI) are also expected to attend.
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The proposed airports are at Chharra in Purulia, Balurghat in South Dinajpur, Hasimara in Alipurduar and Kalaikunda in Paschim Medinipur.
The four projects are expected to improve air access to different parts of the state. Chharra, an airport built in 1942 for military use during the Second World War, is planned to serve Purulia, its industrial areas and tourist destinations such as Ayodhya Hills.
Balurghat is expected to improve air connectivity between North and South Bengal, while a civil enclave at Hasimara is planned to support connectivity to the Dooars and North Bengal, including tourism. Kalaikunda is also part of the four-airport plan under the proposed MoUs, says the statement.
