1 day ago
Malda Airport Revival Gets Fresh Push After Infrastructure Inspection
Malda airport has not been used for regular flights for many years.
On Wednesday, MLA Amlan Bhaduri visited the airport with government officials.
They checked the runway and other facilities.
Much of the runway improvement work has reportedly been completed.
Officials still want to make the runway longer based on advice from the Airports Authority of India.
They may need to acquire more land for this work.
They are also checking whether nearby tall buildings and power lines could make flying unsafe.
The MLA said the airport may reopen under the central government’s UDAN scheme.
Englishbazar MLA Amlan Bhaduri inspected Malda airport with district and state officials on Wednesday.
Officials assessed the runway and other infrastructure needed to resume airport operations.
Most runway improvement work is reportedly complete, but the runway may be extended on Airports Authority of India recommendations.
Additional land may be acquired, while nearby buildings and high-tension power lines are being assessed for flight-safety risks.
Bhaduri said the airport could soon operate under the Centre’s UDAN regional connectivity scheme.
- Who
- Englishbazar MLA Amlan Bhaduri, district administration officials, and officials from the state transport and land and land reforms departments.
- What
- They inspected Malda airport and discussed work needed to resume regular air services.
- Where
- Malda airport in Malda.
- When
- Wednesday; no specific date was provided.
- Why
- To assess infrastructure, address safety and land-related issues, and advance the airport’s possible revival under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.
Revival proponents
Safety and feasibility concerns
Resuming flights
Revival proponents
Amlan Bhaduri said the airport would soon become operational under UDAN and that necessary work has begun.
Safety and feasibility concerns
Officials have not announced a reopening date and are still assessing infrastructure and other requirements.
Runway readiness
Revival proponents
Administrative sources said most runway improvement work has already been completed.
Safety and feasibility concerns
The runway may need further extension, and additional land may have to be acquired following Airports Authority of India recommendations.
Surrounding infrastructure
Revival proponents
The state and district administrations are coordinating to resolve outstanding issues.
Safety and feasibility concerns
Nearby multi-storied buildings and high-tension power lines could hinder flight operations and are being evaluated.
Key facts
- Airport status
- Malda airport has been non-operational for several decades.
- Inspection
- Amlan Bhaduri and senior district and state officials inspected the premises and infrastructure.
- Runway work
- Most work to improve the runway has reportedly been completed.
- Planned expansion
- The administration has decided to consider extending the runway following Airports Authority of India recommendations.
- Land requirement
- Additional land may be acquired to facilitate safer aircraft landing and take-off.
- Potential obstacles
- Officials are assessing nearby multi-storied buildings and high-tension power lines.
- Proposed scheme
- The MLA said operations would be restored under the Centre’s UDAN regional connectivity scheme.
Quotes
An unnamed district administration source
A source in the district administration discussing runway expansion and possible obstacles to flight operations.
“Additional land will be acquired for the expansion to facilitate the safe landing and take-off of aircraft. The airport has remained non-operational for several decades, during which several multi- storied buildings have come up in its vicinity. High-tension power lines are also present in the surrounding areas. We have initiated a detailed assessment to determine whether these structures and power lines could pose any hindrance to flight operations.”
telegraphindia.com
Amlan Bhaduri
Englishbazar MLA who inspected Malda airport and discussed its revival.
“Necessary work has already begun, with the district administration coordinating with all state departments concerned. I inspected the airport and its infrastructure along with the officials. There are certain issues which will be placed before the state transport department for necessary steps.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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