West Bengal Moves Ahead with Four New Airports Under UDAN Scheme
Kolkata, October 5, 2026: West Bengal is set to strengthen its regional aviation network with the development of four airports under the Centre’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) regional connectivity programme. The initiative is aimed at improving air connectivity to underserved regions while supporting tourism, trade, investment and employment.
The proposed aviation facilities will be developed at Chharra in Purulia, Balurghat in South Dinajpur, Hasimara in Alipurduar and Kalaikunda in Paschim Medinipur. A tripartite arrangement involving the Central Government, Government of West Bengal and Airports Authority of India (AAI) is being taken forward for the projects. Akashvani News
Four locations to receive aviation infrastructure
Chharra, Purulia:
The Chharra airstrip, which dates back to the Second World War, is expected to improve connectivity to Purulia and surrounding industrial and tourism destinations, including the Ayodhya Hills. AAI had earlier conducted a pre-feasibility study for development of the site at the request of the West Bengal Government. Digital Sansad
Balurghat, South Dinajpur:
The proposed airport is expected to improve connectivity in South Dinajpur and strengthen links between northern and southern parts of West Bengal.
Hasimara, Alipurduar:
A civil aviation facility at Hasimara is expected to support tourism and economic activity in the Dooars and wider North Bengal region.
Kalaikunda, Paschim Medinipur:
The proposed development is expected to strengthen regional connectivity in the western part of the state and improve access to surrounding economic and tourism centres. Akashvani News
State and AAI responsibilities
Under the proposed framework, the West Bengal Government is expected to provide the required land and develop basic supporting infrastructure, including electricity and water. AAI will play a key role in airport infrastructure and aviation operations. Akashvani News
The Union Civil Aviation Ministry has been pursuing the next phase of UDAN through greater Centre–State cooperation. In September, the Ministry announced the signing of MoUs with 21 States and Union Territories for development of aviation infrastructure and expansion of regional air connectivity. Press Information Bureau
Focus on regional economic growth
The four projects are expected to have significance beyond passenger connectivity. Improved air links could help facilitate tourism, business travel, investment, trade and employment, particularly in districts that currently have limited access to commercial aviation.
The proposed Chharra development has also attracted particular attention, with reports stating that an investment of around ₹2,000 crore has been earmarked for the airport project near Purulia town. UNI
The UDAN programme was launched in 2016 to make air travel more accessible from unserved and underserved airports. According to the Airports Authority of India, the scheme has already resulted in the operationalisation of numerous RCS airports and routes across the country. AAI Aero
A new aviation push for Bengal
The proposed four-airport programme represents an effort to extend West Bengal’s aviation infrastructure beyond its major existing gateways and bring smaller cities and districts closer to the national air network.
If implemented as planned, the projects could provide new opportunities for regional tourism, local businesses, industries and residents, while creating additional aviation infrastructure in Purulia, South Dinajpur, Alipurduar and Paschim Medinipur.
By Suman Munshi
Chief Editor, IBG NEWS
