The Assam government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to carry out a pre-feasibility study for setting up five new greenfield airports in different parts of the state. The MoU was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The proposed greenfield airports are planned at Manas National Park, Umrangshu, Majuli, Diphu and Charaideo. Officials said the study will examine the technical, financial and operational aspects of developing airports at these locations. At present, Assam has seven airports. These include Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport in Guwahati, along with Jorhat, Tezpur, Dibrugarh, Silchar, Lakhimpur and Rupsi airports.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister thanked AAI for taking up the initiative. He said that a greenfield airport at Manas would address strategic and security needs and also help boost wildlife tourism in the region. Manas is a well-known tourist destination and better air connectivity is expected to attract more visitors. He said that the proposed airports at Majuli, Umrangshu, Diphu and Charaideo would improve regional connectivity and make travel easier for people living in these areas. According to him, better connectivity will increase tourist footfall and support local economic activities.
The Chief Minister said the development of these airports would not only help Assam but could also serve as a model for other states. He also requested AAI to consider upgrading Rupsi Airport into a full-fledged airport, keeping in view its strategic location near the Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the Chicken’s Neck. In addition, he urged the authority to enhance international flight connectivity from Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport to strengthen Assam’s global links.