New Delhi, Oct. 6 -- A major boost to air connectivity in North Bengal is on the cards ahead of the festive season, with Hasimara and Balurghat among four aviation projects in Bengal that have been brought under the Centre's UDAN 2.0 scheme. North Bengal celebrated the development being seen as a major boost to tourism and commerce.

For North Bengal, the proposed civil enclave at Hasimara is being seen as particularly significant. Located beside an important Indian Air Force base, Hasimara is expected to emerge as a key aviation hub for the Dooars and adjoining areas. The state is providing land for the project, with 25 acres earmarked for Hasimara.

The proposed facility is expected to improve connectivity to Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar and give a fresh push to tourism, trade and commerce. The development is also likely to benefit business centres such as Jaigaon, Kalchini and Hasimara.

The announcement triggered celebrations in Hasimara, Jaigaon and Kalchini, with traders and residents distributing sweets. "Today is truly a day of happiness. Now, we sincerely hope that the construction work begins as soon as possible," said Ratul Biswas, social worker and a prominent face of the Demand Fulfilment Forum. "This is a landmark step. I thank the state government and the Chief Minister," said Prosenjit De, general secretary of the Alipurduar Chamber of Commerce. Alipurduar MP Manoj Tigga said: "This is another example of how we speak less and work more."

In Balurghat, the MoU has revived hopes of permanent air connectivity. The existing airport will be expanded to facilitate flight operations. The Airports Authority of India lists the airport with a 3,600-ft runway and existing infrastructure for smaller aircraft.

Highlighting the milestone, Balurghat MP and Union minister of state Sukanta Majumdar said: "Air connectivity from Balurghat has been a long-cherished dream for the people of this district and I have been working tirelessly to fulfill it. I met the Civil Aviation minister multiple times and also brought the matter to the Chief Minister's attention. With the signing of the MoU, the process of launching airport operations has taken a major step forward."

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.