Guwahati: India is planning critical infrastructure development near the vulnerable Silliguri Corridor or commonly known as “ Chicken Neck”.
Government of Assam, through its Transport Department, on February 27 signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Airports Authority of India to undertake a pre-feasibility study for the development of five greenfield airports in Assam, in the presence of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Lok Sewa Bhawan.
The MoU aims to assess the feasibility of upgrading Rupsi Airport in Dhubri district to a fully operational airport near the Silliguri Corridor. This will not only enhance the region’s connectivity but also serve the security purpose of the critical area. Apart from this, the proposed greenfield airport in Manas National Park, near Bhutan, will also be an important asset for the armed forces in conflict situations.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sarma thanked the Airports Authority of India for undertaking the initiative to carry out the pre-feasibility studies at the five identified locations. He stated that a greenfield airport at Manas would not only address strategic and security considerations but would also significantly boost wildlife tourism in the region. He further said that the proposed airports at Majuli, Umrangshu, Diphu and Charaideo would enhance regional connectivity and increase tourist footfall, thereby contributing to local economic development.
The Chief Minister also observed that the development of these greenfield airports would enable Assam to set a model that could be replicated by other states. He requested AAI to consider upgrading Rupsi Airport into a full-fledged airport, keeping in view its strategic proximity to the Siliguri Corridor, Chicken’s Neck. Additionally, he urged AAI to take steps to enhance international flight connectivity from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.
He also said that the greenfield airports and consequently launching flight operations from these airports is expected to provide a major fillip to regional connectivity, while boosting tourism, industry and commerce, and strengthening strategic communication infrastructure across the state. He further said that the move would reinforce Assam’s role as a key gateway to North East and South East Asian nations.
The MoU was signed by the Commissioner and Secretary, Transport, Akashdeep, and Chairman, AAI, Vipin Kumar.The proposed greenfield airports are planned at Manas National Park, Umrangshu, Majuli, Diphu and Charaideo.
MLA Dharmeswar Konwar, CEM Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, Tuliram Ronghang, CEM NC Hills Autonomous Council, Debolal Gorlosa, Chief Secretary, Ravi Kota, Secretary, Civil Aviation, Government of India, Samir Kumar Sinha, along with other senior officials and dignitaries, were present on the occasion.
