West Bengal to add four new airports, aiming for eight operational facilities
The state plans to develop four new airports and convert two military bases into civil enclaves, with the civil aviation minister announcing MoUs and discussions on direct Europe flights.
Airport expansion plan
West Bengal will increase its operational airports from three to eight within two years, according to the civil aviation minister.
New airport sites
Four new airports are slated for Charra, Kalaikunda, Balurghat and Hasimara. Hashimara and Kalaikunda will be converted into civil enclaves, Balurghat airport will be revived, and an airstrip will be developed at Charra in Purulia.
Direct Europe flights
The minister will initiate discussions for direct flights from Kolkata to Europe, and Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari urged the minister to expedite those flights.
State leadership comments
The chief minister criticized the previous Trinamool government for delays and said a robust civil aviation network is a catalyst for trade, tourism, logistics and employment. He also requested a pilot training institute in West Bengal.
Funding commitment
The centre will allocate ₹29,000 crore over the next ten years for the projects.