BhutanIndia to Build 4 Airports in West Bengal
The airports will be built in Hasimara, Kalaikunda, Balurghat, and Chharra under the UDAN scheme, impacting local jobs, housing, and travel. The state has also asked the Centre to add Malda and Cooch Behar in the next phase.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
West Bengal and the Centre have partnered to build four regional airports within two years. The airports will be located in Hasimara, Kalaikunda, Balurghat, and Chharra.
Hasimara, in the far north of Bengal, is close to the Bhutan border and hosts an Indian Air Force base with a Rafale squadron. The local economy depends on border trade, tea, tourism, and defence-linked activity.
Kalaikunda is close to Kharagpur, one of Bengal's oldest industrial towns and a major railway centre. The Kharagpur Industrial Park has 28 units with about ₹632 crore of investment.
Balurghat is the district headquarters of Dakshin Dinajpur and the main town of a region that has long lacked quick travel options. The growth of this area depends on trade, farming, education, healthcare, and local services.
Property prices in Hasimara are roughly around ₹2,443 per sq ft, while in Kalaikunda they are roughly ₹4,515 per sq ft.
The state has asked the Centre to add Malda and Cooch Behar in the next phase of airport development. The Airports Authority of India owns land in Balurghat where the existing airstrip can be expanded.
Key facts
- Four regional airports to be built in West Bengal within two years
- Airports will be located in Hasimara, Kalaikunda, Balurghat, and Chharra
- State has asked the Centre to add Malda and Cooch Behar in the next phase
- Property prices in Hasimara and Kalaikunda are ₹2,443 per sq ft and ₹4,515 per sq ft respectively
Three perspectives
Neutral
The development of new airports in West Bengal is expected to boost local economies and improve travel options. However, the impact on property prices and the environment will need to be monitored. The state's request to add Malda and Cooch Behar in the next phase will be considered by the Centre.
Positive
The new airports will create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region. They will also improve connectivity and make it easier for people to travel to and from West Bengal. The development of the Kharagpur Industrial Park and other infrastructure projects will also benefit from the new airports.
Negative
The development of new airports may lead to an increase in property prices, making it difficult for locals to afford housing. The environmental impact of the airports will also need to be considered. The state's request to add more airports may put a strain on the Centre's resources.
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