West Bengal Signs MoU for Four New Airports Under UDAN

West Bengal has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the development of four new airports and civil enclaves under the UDAN scheme.

A momentous milestone for the infrastructure and regional connectivity of West Bengal. Today, at Nabanna Sabhaghar, a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Transport Department (Government of West Bengal), the Ministry of Civil Aviation (Government of India), and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) under the UDAN scheme to develop new airports and civil enclaves across the state. We were privileged to have Hon'ble Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu Ji, Cabinet Colleagues and Senior Officials join us for this landmark event. A robust Civil Aviation network does far more than shorten travel times; it serves as a powerful catalyst for trade, tourism, logistics and employment generation. These initiatives represent the vital foundational work essential for unlocking the ultimate economic growth and self-reliance of West Bengal. By investing systematically in modern infrastructure today, we are paving the runway for long-term prosperity, inclusive regional development and boundless opportunities for every Citizen across our State. @PMOIndia @RamMNK @MoCA_GoI

— Suvendu Adhikari (@SuvenduWB) October 5, 2026

The proposed aviation projects will come up at Charra in Purulia, Kalaikunda in Paschim Medinipur, Balurghat in Dakshin Dinajpur, and Hasimara in Alipurduar.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari welcomed the agreement, describing it as a major step towards strengthening air connectivity across the state.

West Bengal is taking a major step toward expanding regional air connectivity with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Centre, the State Government and the Airports Authority of India under the UDAN 2.0 scheme. Under this agreement, four new regional airports will be developed at Charra in Purulia, Kalaikunda in Paschim Medinipur, Balurghat in South Dinajpur and Hasimara in Alipurduar. This strategic expansion aims to make air travel more affordable and accessible while providing a strong push to regional economic activity, tourism, trade and job creation across West bengal.

— BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) October 5, 2026

The projects are expected to provide a significant boost to tourism, trade, logistics and employment opportunities, while improving regional connectivity and opening up new economic opportunities for several districts.

The Centre has committed ₹29,000 crore over the next decade for the expansion of West Bengal's aviation infrastructure. The investment is aimed at doubling the number of airports in the state from the existing four to eight.

Naidu expressed confidence that the proposed projects could be completed within two years. He also called for a new aviation policy to further accelerate the development of the country's regional aviation network.

Chief Minister Adhikari highlighted the need for more international flights from Kolkata and sought upgrades at other aviation facilities across West Bengal to strengthen the state's position as an eastern aviation and logistics hub.

The expansion under the UDAN framework is expected to improve connectivity between smaller cities and regional centres, making air travel more accessible while supporting West Bengal's broader economic and tourism ambitions.