Agartala, February 21 – In a significant push to enhance air connectivity in Tripura, Chief Minister Manik Saha chaired a high-level review meeting on Saturday to discuss the revival of the long-dormant Kailashahar airport in Unakoti district. Officials confirmed the development, highlighting the state’s commitment to reopening this key infrastructure.
During the meeting, CM Saha directed officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to conduct a thorough ground assessment of the shuttered facility, located about 140 kilometers north of Agartala. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive feasibility report comparing Kailashahar with other disused airports in Kamalpur and Khowai.
The report, as instructed, must detail land availability, operational challenges, and a balanced analysis of commercial, technical, and financial pros and cons for each site. This move aims to pave the way for resuming flight operations, boosting regional accessibility and economic growth.
Senior AAI executives, including Executive Director Gyan Batra from the Northeast region and Krishna Mohan Nehra, Director of Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport, attended the session. Discussions covered critical aspects like runway extension, modern infrastructure upgrades, and capacity building to accommodate larger aircraft such as Airbuses.
CM Saha assured that upon receiving the feasibility study, the state government would engage with the Civil Aviation Ministry and other stakeholders to expedite actions. AAI officials committed to dispatching a technical team soon for an in-depth evaluation of operational and engineering requirements.
Both parties agreed to collaborative efforts for swift revival. Notably, Agartala’s Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport ranks as the second-busiest in Northeast India, trailing only Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. Reviving these airports could transform Tripura’s aviation landscape, fostering tourism, trade, and connectivity in remote areas.