Guwahati: The Assam government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to undertake pre-feasibility studies for setting up five new greenfield airports across the state.
The agreement was signed at Lok Sewa Bhawan in the presence of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The MoU was signed by Transport Commissioner and Secretary Akashdeep on behalf of the state government and AAI Chairman Vipin Kumar.
The proposed pre-feasibility studies will examine the technical viability of the projects, land requirements, environmental impact and anticipated passenger traffic before the preparation of detailed project reports.
The five proposed greenfield airports are planned at Manas National Park, Umrangshu, Majuli, Diphu and Charaideo.
Addressing the gathering, CM Sarma expressed gratitude to AAI for taking up the studies and highlighted the potential advantages of the proposed projects. He said an airport at Manas would serve strategic and security interests while giving a major boost to wildlife tourism in the area.
According to the chief minister, the airports proposed at Majuli, Umrangshu, Diphu and Charaideo are expected to improve regional connectivity, attract more tourists and stimulate local economic growth.
Sarma also said the initiative could serve as a model for other states. He urged AAI to explore the possibility of upgrading Rupsi Airport into a full-fledged facility in view of its strategic location near the Siliguri Corridor, commonly known as the Chicken’s Neck.
He further called for enhanced international flight connectivity from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.
The chief minister added that once operational, the new greenfield airports would strengthen connectivity, tourism, trade and industry, while reinforcing strategic communication infrastructure across Assam. He noted that the move would further consolidate Assam’s position as a gateway to the Northeast and Southeast Asian countries.
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Among those present at the event were MLA Dharmeswar Konwar; Chief Executive Members of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, Tuliram Ronghang, and NC Hills Autonomous Council, Debolal Gorlosa; Chief Secretary Ravi Kota; Secretary of Civil Aviation, Government of India, Samir Kumar Sinha; and other senior officials and dignitaries.
