The Assam government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for a pre-feasibility study aimed at developing five greenfield airports in the state. The signing took place in Dispur, officiated by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, along with key officials including Commissioner and Secretary of Transport, Akashdeep, and AAI Chairman, Vipin Kumar. The proposed airport locations include Manas National Park, Umrangshu, Majuli, Diphu, and Charaideo. Chief Minister Sarma expressed gratitude towards AAI for initiating these studies, emphasizing that the greenfield airport at Manas will address security concerns while also promoting wildlife tourism in the area. He highlighted that the airports in Majuli, Umrangshu, Diphu, and Charaideo aim to improve regional connectivity and increase tourist numbers, thereby fostering local economic growth.
The Chief Minister noted that the development of these airports could serve as a replicable model for other states and requested the AAI consider upgrading Rupsi Airport to a fully operational status, owing to its strategic location near the Siliguri Corridor. Furthermore, he urged AAI to improve international flight connectivity from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. Sarma stated that these upcoming airports would significantly enhance regional connectivity while promoting tourism, industry, and commerce, as well as strengthening the state’s strategic communication infrastructure. This initiative is expected to reinforce Assam’s position as a vital gateway to Northeast and Southeast Asia. Notable attendees of the MoU signing included MLA Dharmeswar Konwar, CEM of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Tuliram Ronghang, CEM of NC Hills Autonomous Council Debolal Gorlosa, Chief Secretary Ravi Kota, and Secretary of Civil Aviation, Government of India, Samir Kumar Sinha, among other senior officials and dignitaries.