In a significant move to boost regional connectivity and economic growth, the West Bengal government has unveiled plans to transform an abandoned airstrip in Purulia into a functional airport. The project, estimated to cost around Rs 150 crore, is set to revolutionize access to several industrial zones in neighbouring Jharkhand while providing a major fillip to local tourism.
Reviving an 80-Year-Old Airstrip
The site for this ambitious venture is located in the Chharra area of Purulia, where an airstrip has remained unused and abandoned for over eight decades. Bengal Transport Minister Snehashish Chakraborty confirmed the development, stating that a delegation from the transport department recently visited the site to assess the land. He clarified that this will not be a large-scale airport but a smaller, strategically important one.
The development is planned in two distinct phases to ensure a structured and efficient rollout.
A Two-Phase Development Plan
The first phase of the Purulia airport project will involve a substantial investment in core infrastructure. Key components include the construction of a boundary wall and a 1,100-metre-long runway capable of handling 19-seater aircraft. The phase will also see the creation of four aircraft parking bays, an Air Traffic Control (ATC) building, and a terminal building designed to manage approximately 160 passengers daily.
Further essential infrastructure in the first phase encompasses a dedicated fire station, an electrical substation, three watch towers, an underground reservoir, and a cooling pit. A state official highlighted that the initial setup is being prepared for smaller aircraft, with operators eligible for subsidies under the central government's aviation scheme for short-haul routes.
The project's second phase will focus on scaling up operations by extending the runway to 1,700 metres. This crucial enhancement will allow larger aircraft, such as 42-seater ATR planes, to operate from the airport, significantly increasing its capacity and reach.
Long-Stated Demand and Economic Impact
The proposal for an airport in Purulia is not new. Back in 2002, former local Congress MLA Nepal Mahato had raised the demand during a State Assembly session. Reacting to the recent announcement, Mahato expressed his satisfaction, pointing out the strategic advantages.
"Several industrial areas in Jharkhand are located near Purulia," Mahato told The Indian Express. "The Bengal government is also looking to set up heavy industries in Raghunathpur in the district. The tourism scenario of Purulia has also changed now. So, this airport will help both industrialists and tourists."
The local business community has welcomed the move with open arms. Devkumar Dan, a member of the Purulia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, affirmed that the launch of the Chharra airport will greatly benefit the industry and lead to an increase in employment opportunities. Manoj Fogla, Secretary of the Purulia Small and Medium Industries Association, revealed that he had personally proposed the idea for the airport to the Chief Minister during an administrative meeting.
Challenges on the Horizon
Despite the optimism, the proposed airport site faces a significant challenge. The location is abutted by a high-tension electric line and a railway track on one side. This geographical constraint is expected to limit the potential for large-scale expansion of the airport in the future, posing a challenge that the authorities will need to navigate carefully during the development process.
Nonetheless, the decision to breathe new life into the 80-year-old airstrip marks a pivotal step towards unlocking the economic potential of the Purulia region and strengthening its logistical links with the industrial heartlands of Jharkhand.
