Mumbai, July 7 -- Assam and the Centre on Thursday, July two reviewed a series of aviation infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening air connectivity across the state, with the proposed greenfield airport at Silchar emerging as a key priority. The review formed part of broader efforts to position Assam as a major aviation and logistics hub for the north east. Officials outlined timelines and preparatory work that they said would guide the next stages of project approvals.
The Chief Minister met the Union Civil Aviation Minister at Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan in New Delhi and described the meeting as very productive, adding that both governments agreed to accelerate the implementation of critical projects. He informed the minister that most preparatory work for the Silchar greenfield airport has been completed and urged the Centre to expedite the approval process to enable early execution. The agenda included coordination on clearances, land acquisition support and technical assessments.
The meeting also reviewed proposals for five additional greenfield airports at Manas, Umrangso, Majuli, Diphu and Charaideo, together with a proposed heliport at Haflong, and both sides agreed to fast track pre-feasibility studies to ensure timely progress. Expansion plans for Rupsi Airport in western Assam were discussed and the airport was identified as an important regional connectivity hub. Authorities indicated that enhancements at Rupsi would improve access to western Assam and adjoining areas.
The state government framed the aviation projects as measures to strengthen passenger connectivity and to boost the state's economic prospects, noting anticipated gains in employment, logistics and cargo movement, tourism and wider regional development. Officials said the proposed airports would improve links to remote and underserved regions while reinforcing Assam's role as a strategic transport and logistics gateway for the north east. The meeting was attended by the Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, the Additional Chief Secretary Dr K K Dwivedi and the Assam Bhawan Resident Commissioner Kavitha Padmanabhan.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.