West Bengal Plans to Construct Four Airports
Air connectivity challenges are expected to ease significantly once the new airports become operational. Photo: Agamir Somoy
The West Bengal government has announced plans to expand the state's air connectivity network. The new budget proposes the construction of four new airports and the expansion of an existing one, with a proposed allocation of Rs 100 billion for the projects.
Presenting the budget on Monday, Indian Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta said new airports will be built in Purulia, Malda, and Balurghat. The government will also expand Cooch Behar Airport. According to the state government, these projects will make air travel more accessible across different parts of West Bengal.
The government also aims to reduce the growing pressure on Kolkata Airport. To that end, it has planned a new greenfield airport near Kalyani. The budget states that authorities will identify between 1,000 and 1,500 acres of land for the project. The airport is expected to play a significant role in handling future growth in passenger traffic.
The state government said it will develop the airports in Purulia, Malda, and Balurghat under the central government's UDAN scheme. It also plans to allocate land for the development of aviation-related infrastructure in the Hasimara and Kalaikunda areas.
At present, most residents of the state rely on Kolkata and Bagdogra airports for air travel. People living in many districts of North Bengal, Jangalmahal, and South Bengal often have to travel long distances to catch flights. The administration expects the new airports to significantly ease that burden once they become operational.
