A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Centre and the West Bengal state government for the development of four new airports, which include Hasimara, Kalaikunda, Balurghat, and Purulia.
The Centre and the West Bengal state government have agreed to develop four new airports within the next two years. This decision comes after a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed today at Nabanna, in presence of the Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu and Chief Minister of West Bengal Suvendu Adhikari. The planned airports include not only civil enclaves at Hasimara and Kalaikunda but also the expansion of Balurghat airport and construction of a new airport in Purulia.
According to Mr Naidu, the 2,700-metre runway at Kalaikunda will be capable of handling aircraft such as Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. Plans are also underway for a new terminal at Bagdogra, more international flights from Kolkata, and direct connectivity with Europe.
Mr Naidu stated that the number of airports in the country has increased from 74 in 2014 to 166 currently. Under the revised UDAN scheme, another 100 airports are planned over the next ten years, with four in West Bengal being given priority.
Chief Minister Adhikari urged the Centre to introduce direct flights from Kolkata to European cities and expand connectivity from Andal to major destinations. He also sought direct flights to Ayodhya, Tirupati, and Amritsar. Additionally, he mentioned that work has begun on a proposal for a second international airport for Kolkata at Kalyani, on around 2,000 acres of land, and sought approval for a flying training institute at Behala.
Mr Adhikari said the new airports would boost agriculture, tourism, industry, investment, employment, and regional connectivity.
Source:
Akashvani News
