West Bengal will develop four new airports under an agreement signed between the Union Civil Aviation Ministry and the state government, with all facilities targeted for completion by 2028. Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu said the airports would be located at Charra in Purulia, Kalaikunda in Paschim Medinipur, Balurghat in Dakshin Dinajpur and Hasimara in Alipurduar.

The project is part of the Centre’s regional connectivity UDAN programme. The Union government has committed Rs. 290 bn for West Bengal’s aviation sector over the next decade, while the state government will provide land and create basic infrastructure, including electricity and water supplies.

The Airports Authority of India will oversee airport infrastructure development and manage flight operations after the facilities become operational. The tripartite agreement sets a 24-month timeframe for completing the airport projects, subject to the required land and infrastructure arrangements.

Naidu also urged the West Bengal government to introduce a new civil aviation policy to attract private investment. He said the Centre wanted Kolkata to have a second airport to address rising demand for air connectivity in the region.

The Charra airport in Purulia has historical significance because it was built by the British during World War II for emergency landings. Its 1,722-metre runway has remained largely unused for decades. The Balurghat facility is expected to improve links between North and South Bengal, while the proposed civil enclave at Hasimara is intended to support tourism and connectivity in the Dooars region.

The four projects are intended to expand air access beyond Kolkata and strengthen links between several districts and regional economic centres. Their progress will depend on land availability, completion of supporting infrastructure and the subsequent development of flight schedules by the Airports Authority of India.