West Bengal Set to Sign MoUs for Four Airports to Boost Regional Air Connectivity

West Bengal is set to take another step towards expanding regional air connectivity, with the state expected to sign MoUs on September 23 for four airports at Chharra in Purulia, Balurghat, Hasimara and Kalaikunda.

The four airports are planned to operate under the Centre’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), which provides subsidies to airlines to support regional flight operations. The proposed projects are aimed at improving air access to different parts of West Bengal and strengthening connectivity beyond the state’s existing aviation network.

Under the proposed arrangement, the West Bengal government will provide land and supporting infrastructure such as roads, water and electricity, along with initial security arrangements. The Union Government will be responsible for developing the core airport infrastructure.

Chharra airport project in Purulia

Chharra is expected to be the largest of the four projects. The site has two intersecting World War II-era runways, with one runway extending beyond 1,800 metres.

The state is likely to provide around 300 acres of land for the project. Initially, the airport could support ATR-type aircraft, allowing regional air services to begin with smaller turboprop aircraft.

The proposed airport could also serve a wider industrial and commercial region. Chharra is located around 62 km from Dhanbad, 93 km from Jamshedpur and 130 km from Ranchi, potentially giving the airport relevance beyond Purulia itself.

Balurghat, Hasimara and Kalaikunda

Balurghat already has a 1,500-metre runway and a terminal, providing an existing base for the proposed regional aviation operation.

Hasimara and Kalaikunda are different in terms of their existing infrastructure, with both locations having Air Force runways and air traffic control facilities. The proposed development would involve enabling these facilities for civilian air connectivity.

If the projects progress as planned, the four airports could improve access to Purulia, South Dinajpur and the northern and western parts of the state, while also creating additional options for regional air travel.

The proposed MoUs mark a significant step towards expanding West Bengal’s regional aviation infrastructure, with the projects combining existing airfield facilities and new supporting infrastructure to strengthen connectivity across the state.