1 day ago
Bengal Pushes Behala Airport Revival as Centre Signals Support
West Bengal wants to reopen the long-unused Behala Airport.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari asked the national civil aviation minister to help.
Dr Indranil Khan also met the minister in New Delhi to discuss the plan.
The state says the airport’s runway could support some passenger planes, medical flights and chartered aircraft.
A survey found that the airport covers about 215.59 acres.
The state believes reopening it could reduce pressure on Kolkata’s main airport.
Officials also say it could help businesses, tourism, trade and medical evacuations.
The civil aviation minister responded positively to the proposal.
He suggested that Behala could be included in a wider effort to open more airports in Bengal.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari urged Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu to revive Behala Airport.
Minister of State Dr Indranil Khan met Naidu in New Delhi and pressed for the airport’s operationalisation.
Behala Airport has a 915-metre runway that the state says can handle ATR-72 aircraft, air ambulances and chartered flights.
A drone survey found the airport covers about 215.59 acres across Gopalpur, Behala and Poroui.
Naidu responded positively, saying Behala could be among airports brought into operation to expand connectivity and business opportunities in Bengal.
- Who
- West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Minister of State Dr Indranil Khan and Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu.
- What
- They are pursuing the revival and operationalisation of long-dormant Behala Airport, including possible commercial and UDAN flights.
- Where
- Behala Airport in Kolkata, West Bengal, and the Union minister’s office in New Delhi.
- When
- Dr Khan met Naidu in New Delhi on Monday evening; the timing of the chief minister’s letter is not specified.
- Why
- The state says reopening the airport could decongest Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, improve regional connectivity, support industry, medical evacuation, tourism and trade, and create business opportunities.
Key facts
- Airport
- Behala Airport
- Runway length
- 915 metres
- Potential aircraft and flights
- ATR-72 aircraft, air ambulances and chartered flights
- Surveyed area
- Approximately 215.59 acres
- Location details
- Across the Gopalpur, Behala and Poroui mouzas in the Kolkata block
- Proposed services
- Commercial and UDAN regional-connectivity flights
- State offer
- Support on land, security and other required clearances
- Union response
- Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu responded positively and indicated that Behala could be included in a broader airport-expansion effort in Bengal
Sources
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