Doloo Greenfield Airport Project in Assam Receives Key Clearances, Construction Timeline Set
Silchar: The long-awaited Doloo Greenfield Airport project in Assam's Cachar district has achieved a significant milestone by securing the necessary forest and environmental clearances, paving the way for its implementation. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced this development during a public meeting in Silchar on Saturday, marking a major step forward for aviation infrastructure in the Barak Valley region.
Project Details and Revised Timeline
The ambitious airport project, which falls under the airports and aviation infrastructure sub-sector, will be developed by the Airports Authority of India at an estimated cost of Rs 2,000 crore. According to official plans, approximately 3,000 bighas (about 992 acres) of land from the Doloo Tea Estate will be transferred for the construction of the airport.
Construction is now scheduled to commence on April 1, 2027, with completion targeted by September 30, 2029. This represents a revision from earlier proposals that had envisaged construction starting in late 2025 and finishing by late 2027.
Economic and Connectivity Impact
Chief Minister Sarma described the airport as a "historic initiative" for the Barak Valley, emphasizing that the proposed world-class civil airport is expected to transform regional connectivity significantly. The project is anticipated to act as a major catalyst for trade, tourism, and investment in southern Assam and neighboring regions.
The improved air connectivity is projected to accelerate economic growth by opening new opportunities and enhancing accessibility for businesses and travelers alike.
Broader Context and Political Developments
The announcement was made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to launch projects worth ₹23,550 crore in the region. Sarma also highlighted that work on the mini secretariat at Srikona near Silchar began on Saturday, further indicating infrastructure development momentum in the area.
Referring to the upcoming Assam assembly elections, Sarma expressed confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would return to power in the state. He cited the large turnout at Saturday's public meeting as evidence of strong public support for the party and the current government's initiatives.
"The massive participation of people today shows that Narendra Modi's government will return to Assam for another term," Sarma stated during his address.
The Doloo Greenfield Airport project represents a critical infrastructure investment aimed at addressing long-standing connectivity challenges in the Barak Valley, with potential ripple effects across various sectors of the regional economy.
