Civil enclave plan at Kalaikunda air base revived after change of guard in West Bengal
Kolkata, June 8
The possibility of a civil enclave at Air Force Station Kalaikunda in West Midnapore district of West Bengal has been revived following the change of government in the state.
For over a decade, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) have been pursuing the matter with the West Bengal government. However, little progress was made regarding land acquisition and the creation of necessary infrastructure, including road connectivity to the nearest highway.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has also been keen on sharing infrastructure with civilian flights, as such arrangements help in cost-sharing.
At one stage, a retired IAF officer was appointed to liaise with the state government on the project. A civilian airport at Kalaikunda is considered important because of its proximity to the industrial hub of Kharagpur, which is around 11 km away.
Kharagpur is also close to the state's border with Odisha and several important towns in the neighbouring state that have significant business activity. Officials believe a civil enclave operated under the Government of India's UDAN scheme would attract substantial passenger traffic.
BJP leader Samik Bhattacharya had raised the issue in Parliament about a year ago. Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu had then explained that under the National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016, the responsibility for providing land for airport projects rests with the state government.
The AAI has projected a requirement of 38.25 acres of land to the West Bengal government for the creation of a new civil enclave at Air Force Station Kalaikunda, the minister had said. The AAI has also remained in regular contact with the state government on the matter, Naidu had stated.
Work on the civil enclave can begin once the required land is made available and the necessary clearances are obtained, he had added. A similar civil enclave has also been proposed at Air Force Station Hasimara in north Bengal, located close to the Bhutan border.
Officials believe a civil enclave there could boost tourism to Bhutan as well as to the surrounding forest and tea garden regions.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good initiative but I hope proper compensation is given to farmers whose land will be acquired. Land acquisition in Bengal has always been controversial. The government must ensure fair prices and rehabilitation for those affected. Also, road connectivity to NH needs to be upgraded simultaneously.
As someone who frequently travels between Kolkata and eastern India, this is welcome news. UDAN scheme is a game-changer for regional connectivity. Kalaikunda's proximity to Kharagpur IIT and industrial belt makes it perfect. Just hope the bureaucracy doesn't drag its feet again. 🤞
About time! The Hasimara proposal for Bhutan tourism also sounds promising. But I wonder why they need 38 acres just for a civil enclave within an existing air force station. Seems excessive. Also, will this affect IAF operations? Security concerns need clear answers before proceeding.
Great to see infrastructure development in west Bengal. However, I'm a bit skeptical about passenger traffic projections mentioned in the article. Kharagpur is only 110km from Kolkata airport, which already has excellent connectivity. Will people really choose this over howrah-kharagpur train? Need careful feasibility study.
Chalo! Finally some movement on this. As a local from Midnapore, I can tell you this will be a big boost. Students from IIT Kharagpur, business people from nearby towns like Jamshedpur and Rourkela will benefit immensely. Plus, emergency medical evacuations from this area will become much easier. Good decision! 👍
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