Bengal to sign airport deal with Centre on September 28
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the state will sign an agreement with the central government on September 28 to establish an airport
The West Bengal government will sign an agreement with the central government on September 28 to establish an airport in Purulia district. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari made the announcement on Sunday, stating the project falls under the Centre's flagship UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) regional connectivity scheme.
Adhikari spoke to reporters after chairing an administrative review meeting at the Circuit House in Purulia. He said preparations for the airport have been finalised, and the state has already applied for the necessary licence. The state's transport secretary and a representative from civil aviation were present for the discussions.
"We have to bring in aeroplanes here," Adhikari told reporters. "An agreement will be signed with the Centre on September 28 for the airport under the UDAN scheme. Everything has been finalised."
Broader Development Plans for Purulia
The planned airport is part of a wider strategy to develop Purulia district. The Chief Minister outlined plans to make the area a major industrial hub, expecting investments of around ₹1 lakh crore over the next year. He cited proposals from the defence, steel, cement, and solar sectors.
Adhikari stated he had performed the 'bhoomipujan' for a ₹5,000 crore project in Raghunathpur. He noted that the maximum demand from investors is for setting up solar plants. For local development, the government will ensure every household gets jobs and benefits from all welfare schemes.
Tourism and Infrastructure Expansion
Tourism and infrastructure form another pillar of the development plan. Adhikari said the government intends to convert the existing mini zoo into a larger facility. Guest houses belonging to the forest department will also be revamped to boost religious and forest tourism in the region.
Improved air connectivity via the UDAN scheme is intended to strengthen this last-mile access and support the expansion of tourism and industrial activity.
Political Context and Welfare Schemes
Adhikari linked the development focus to political support, noting that Purulia has voted for the BJP since 2018. Darjeeling and Purulia have been at the forefront of contributing to the BJP's rise in Bengal, he said. So, these areas will be on my priority list for development.
The Chief Minister also provided updates on state welfare schemes. He said 6.56 lakh women received payments for August under the 'Annapurna Yojana' this month. A list for constructing around two lakh new houses under a housing scheme has been sent, and ₹60,000 has been provided to 16,000 applicants as part of their second instalment for the scheme.
