Archive · 22 Jul 2026
West Bengal Revives Three Airports Under UDAN Scheme
The West Bengal government has joined the UDAN scheme to develop and revive three airports in Balurghat, Malda, and Purulia.
The goal is to complete pending work and make these airports operational.
The government plans to extend runways, upgrade facilities, and eventually handle more passengers.
They also aim to build a new airport in Kalyani with a revenue-sharing model.
However, aviation experts warn that more airports alone won't guarantee more passengers; economic demand and commercial viability are also crucial.
West Bengal joins UDAN scheme to develop airports in Balurghat, Malda, and Purulia.
Government plans to extend runways and upgrade facilities for commercial flights.
Initial phase aims to handle 150 passengers daily with 19-seater aircraft.
Second phase will expand to 42-seater ATR aircraft.
New Kalyani airport planned with a revenue-sharing model.
Aviation experts caution that passenger growth depends on economic demand and viability.
- Who
- West Bengal government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari
- What
- Reviving and developing airports in Balurghat, Malda, and Purulia under the UDAN scheme
- When
- Announced on Tuesday
- Where
- West Bengal, India
- Why
- To improve regional air connectivity and make air travel affordable for the masses
Government Perspective
Aviation Experts Perspective
Airport Development
Government Perspective
The government believes that reviving and developing airports will improve regional connectivity and economic growth.
Aviation Experts Perspective
Aviation experts caution that more airports do not automatically lead to a proportional rise in passenger traffic, emphasizing the need for economic demand and commercial viability.
- Airports
- Balurghat, Malda, Purulia
- Scheme
- UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik)
- Initial Capacity
- 150 passengers per day
- First Phase Aircraft
- 19-seater commercial aircraft
- Second Phase Aircraft
- 42-seater ATR aircraft
- Land Acquisition
- 59 acres for Malda airport runway extension
- New Airport
- Kalyani greenfield airport
- Revenue Model
- Revenue-sharing model for Kalyani airport