Raju Bista: Govt approves Rs 30 billion for Bagdogra airport expansion

21 Jun 2023 CW Team

Raju Bista, MP, Darjeeling, announced that the central government had approved a budget of Rs 30 billion for the expansion of Bagdogra airport, and the upgrade would commence soon.

Bista stated, "I recently had a one-on-one meeting with the chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI). During the meeting, he informed me about the approval of Rs 30 billion funds by the Centre for the expansion of Bagdogra airport. Later, the AAI officially announced the approval of funds."

He was present in Siliguri to attend an event where the formal announcement of the upcoming Bengal Travel Mart (BTM) took place. The Eastern Himalaya Travel & Tour Operators Association (EHTTOA) will organise the seventh edition of this major event in eastern India to promote tourism from September 9 to 11.

The BJP MP emphasised that improving connectivity in north Bengal was a priority for the Narendra Modi government.

Several projects will be undertaken in the region, including the construction of a six-lane road along NH10 from Balason of Matigara to Sevoke army cantonment, connecting the northwest and northeast of Siliguri. An allocation of Rs 10 billion has been made for this project. Additionally, the New Jalpaiguri station will undergo renovations, for which Rs 3.5 billion has been sanctioned.

"The construction of the airport's boundary wall is currently underway. Some modifications have been made to its design, and other construction activities will commence soon," he added.

The initial plan by the Centre was to allocate Rs 15 billion for the expansion of Bagdogra airport, which handles over 8,000 passengers and approximately 60 flight movements daily.

Later, the budget was increased to Rs 18 billion, and now there has been another revision in the funding allocation.

Sandipan Ghosh, the general secretary of EHTTOA, provided further details about the upcoming travel mart.

"Ghosh explained, 'BTM is considered one of the country's largest domestic travel marts, successfully showcasing the entire Northeast. Officials from the Union tourism ministry, the state tourism department, and representatives from the Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents, Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh, and Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India will attend the event.'"

Also read:
UP explores RapidX Corridor for Delhi-Noida Airport connectivity
NIAL reports completion of 47% of work on Noida airport

Raju Bista, MP, Darjeeling, announced that the central government had approved a budget of Rs 30 billion for the expansion of Bagdogra airport, and the upgrade would commence soon. Bista stated, I recently had a one-on-one meeting with the chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI). During the meeting, he informed me about the approval of Rs 30 billion funds by the Centre for the expansion of Bagdogra airport. Later, the AAI officially announced the approval of funds. He was present in Siliguri to attend an event where the formal announcement of the upcoming Bengal Travel Mart (BTM) took place. The Eastern Himalaya Travel & Tour Operators Association (EHTTOA) will organise the seventh edition of this major event in eastern India to promote tourism from September 9 to 11. The BJP MP emphasised that improving connectivity in north Bengal was a priority for the Narendra Modi government. Several projects will be undertaken in the region, including the construction of a six-lane road along NH10 from Balason of Matigara to Sevoke army cantonment, connecting the northwest and northeast of Siliguri. An allocation of Rs 10 billion has been made for this project. Additionally, the New Jalpaiguri station will undergo renovations, for which Rs 3.5 billion has been sanctioned. The construction of the airport's boundary wall is currently underway. Some modifications have been made to its design, and other construction activities will commence soon, he added. The initial plan by the Centre was to allocate Rs 15 billion for the expansion of Bagdogra airport, which handles over 8,000 passengers and approximately 60 flight movements daily. Later, the budget was increased to Rs 18 billion, and now there has been another revision in the funding allocation. Sandipan Ghosh, the general secretary of EHTTOA, provided further details about the upcoming travel mart. Ghosh explained, 'BTM is considered one of the country's largest domestic travel marts, successfully showcasing the entire Northeast. Officials from the Union tourism ministry, the state tourism department, and representatives from the Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents, Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh, and Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India will attend the event.' Also read: UP explores RapidX Corridor for Delhi-Noida Airport connectivityNIAL reports completion of 47% of work on Noida airport

Products

06 Oct 2025

TOTO India Launches Premium G & L Showers with Sleek Faucet Range

TOTO India has launched its G Shower and L Shower series, alongside an expanded range of GT, LH, and Pull-Out lavatory faucets. The collection blends advanced technology, refined aesthetics, and everyday comfort, staying true to TOTO’s philosophy of creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. The G Shower series delivers the 3Rs of showering: Relaxing, Refreshing, and Revitalizing. Features include the Calming Shawl spray mode, Warm Spa technology, and multiple overhead and hand-shower options across eight finishes. The L Shower complements this with easy-to-use controls sui..

Infrastructure Energy

06 Oct 2025

Hero Future Energies Secures Funding for 120 MW Hybrid Project

Hero Future Energies (HFE), through its SPV Clean Renewable Energy Hybrid Three, has secured Rs 19.08 billion in funding from the State Bank of India (lead) and Canara Bank. The funds will be used to develop and construct HFE’s 120 MW renewable energy hybrid project at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The project, contracted with SJVN, integrates wind, solar, and storage technologies to deliver reliable peak power. With a 21-year repayment period, the funding ensures timely execution and the commencement of commercial operations. The financial closure demonstrates continued lender confidence in..

Infrastructure Energy

06 Oct 2025

IOC GPS Renewables Raises Rs 8.36 billion Debt for Compressed Biogas Plants

IOC GPS Renewables Private Limited (IGRPL), a joint venture between IndianOil Corporation and GPS Renewables, has raised Rs 8.36 billion (approx. US$ 95 million) in debt financing from Indian Bank to execute nine Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects across India. The funding is the largest single-bank debt raise in the CBG sector and the first fully non-recourse financing in India for these projects. The plants—four in Haryana, three in Uttar Pradesh, one each in Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh—will each produce 15 tonnes of CBG per day using paddy straw as feedstock. All nin..