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Tripura CM Pushes AAI to Revive Closed Kailashahar Airport with Feasibility Study

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha chaired a high-level meeting directing the Airports Authority of India to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study for reviving the long-closed Kailashahar Airport. The study will compare Kailashahar with other defunct airports in the state, assessing land availability and technical constraints for handling larger aircraft. AAI officials agreed to send a technical team for an on-ground assessment of operational and engineering aspects. The final report will guide the state government's further steps in consultation with the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Key Points: Tripura CM Directs AAI to Study Reviving Kailashahar Airport

  • Review meeting on reviving Kailashahar Airport
  • AAI asked to conduct feasibility study
  • Team to assess runway and infrastructure for larger aircraft
  • Report to compare Kailashahar, Kamalpur, Khowai airports
3 min read

CM Saha asks AAI to conduct feasibility study to revive airport in Tripura

CM Manik Saha chairs review, asks AAI for feasibility report to revive long-closed Kailashahar Airport in Tripura, examining runway and infrastructure.

"The report has been sought to clearly outline commercial, technical and financial pros and cons of each option. - CMO Official"

Agartala, Feb 21

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, on Saturday, chaired a high-level review meeting on reviving the long-closed Kailashahar Airport in Tripura's Unakoti district headquarters, officials said.

An official of the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said that Chief Minister Saha during the meeting directed the Airports Authority of India (AAI) officials to revive the long closed airport and resume flight operations.

The Chief Minister asked the AAI officials to depute a technical and operational team for an on-ground assessment of the Kailashahar Airport, located nearly 140 km north of Agartala.

He directed for the early submission of a comprehensive feasibility study comparing Kailashahar, Kamalpur and Khowai Airports, including land availability and other constraints.

"The report has been sought to clearly outline commercial, technical and financial pros and cons of each option," the CMO official said.

The review meeting examined the revival roadmap for Kailashahar Airport, which has remained closed for several years.

The Kamalpur and Khowai Airports also remained closed for few decades.

Senior AAI officials, including Gyan Batra, AAI (North Eastern Region) Executive Director; and Krishnamohan Nehra, Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport Director; attended the meeting and discussed steps needed for an early resumption of services.

According to the official, key issues deliberated included runway expansion, modern infrastructure development and capacity creation to handle larger aircraft such as Airbus types.

Chief Minister Saha said that, based on the feasibility report, the state government would take further steps in consultation with the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation and other concerned Ministries.

AAI officials informed the meeting that a technical team would soon visit Kailashahar to examine detailed operational and engineering aspects.

Both the state government and AAI agreed to work in close coordination to reopen the airport.

Transport Department Secretary Uttam Kumar Chakma and Transport Commissioner Subrata Chowdhury were also present at the meeting.

Agartala's Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport is the second busiest airport in the Northeast, after the Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati.

According to historian and writer Pannalal Roy, the land for Agartala, Kailashahar, and several other (now defunct) airports in Tripura was donated by the state's erstwhile Royal family.

"During the Second World War, the then Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur supported the Allied powers, especially Great Britain, and deployed a contingent of the Tripura Army to assist them. During that time, airports at Agartala, Kailashahar, and other places were built to facilitate the Allied forces," Roy, who has authored several books on Tripura's royal history, told IANS.

He added that in 1943, Japanese fighter planes twice bombarded the Agartala airport, just along the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good initiative by CM Saha. Better air connectivity is crucial for the development of our northeastern states. It's interesting to learn about the historical context too – the airports were built during WWII with royal support. We must preserve and modernize this legacy infrastructure.
R
Rohit P
While the intent is good, I hope they conduct a truly independent and realistic feasibility study. We've seen many projects in the NE get announced with fanfare but face delays due to land issues or lack of funds. The focus should be on one viable airport first, not spreading resources too thin.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has traveled to Tripura, improving regional air links is essential. The roads can be challenging. A functional airport in Kailashahar would make it much easier for people and goods to move. Hope they also consider sustainable practices in the new development.
V
Vikram M
The historical bit about Japanese planes bombing the Agartala airport in 1943 is fascinating. It reminds us of the region's strategic importance. Developing these airports isn't just about commerce; it's also about strengthening our infrastructure in a sensitive border area. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
Finally some focus on Unakoti district! Kailashahar is known for its famous Unakoti rock carvings. A working airport nearby could boost heritage tourism significantly. This could be a win for both the local economy and our cultural promotion. 🤞

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