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

12 May 2026

Durakraft Expands Presence in Home Improvement Market

Durakraft Extrusions is expanding its presence in India’s home improvement market through its range of uPVC windows and doors, supported by a wider channel partner and fabricator network across Tier I, II and III cities.The company said growing demand for energy-efficient, durable and low-maintenance building solutions is driving increased adoption of modern uPVC fenestration products among Indian homeowners.Durakraft’s product portfolio focuses on thermal performance, sound insulation, weather resistance and durability for both new and existing residential developments.As part of its expa..

Real Estate

12 May 2026

ESNAAD Hands Over The Spark Project in Dubai

ESNAAD Real Estate Development has announced the handover of The Spark by ESNAAD, its residential project located in Mohammed Bin Rashid City, Dubai.The development comprises a ground floor, five residential floors and a rooftop, with 50 one and two-bedroom apartments. The project has been designed with a focus on practical layouts, contemporary architecture and long-term value for homeowners and investors.Located in District 11 of Mohammed Bin Rashid City, the project offers connectivity to Downtown Dubai, DIFC, Meydan, Dubai Marina and Dubai International Airport through Dubai Al Ain Road.Th..

Equipment

12 May 2026

L&T Achieves Double Tunnel Breakthrough at Dibang

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has achieved a historic double milestone at the Dibang Multipurpose Project (Lot-02) in Arunachal Pradesh. On 28 April 2026, its Heavy Civil Infrastructure team recorded simultaneous breakthroughs in Diversion Tunnel-4 and Diversion Tunnel-5, successfully coordinating two daylighting blasts on the same day amid the difficult geological and environmental conditions of the Lower Dibang Valley.With this, the project has now completed breakthroughs in three of the five diversion tunnels, following DT-3 in February. The 2880 MW Dibang Multipurpose Project is a critical..