Plans to launch civilian flight services from Hasimara Air Force Station have suffered a major setback after the airline assigned to operate the route shut down operations. The development has raised uncertainty around long-awaited regional air connectivity for residents of North Bengal and nearby areas.
The issue was discussed in the Rajya Sabha during Question Hour, where Minister of State for Civil Aviation Muralidhar Mohol confirmed that the project currently remains stalled. According to the minister, Hasimara Airport had been selected under the Regional Connectivity Scheme–UDAN to improve air access in underserved regions.
Under the UDAN 4.1 scheme, the Hasimara–Kolkata route was awarded to Trujet using ATR-72 aircraft. However, the airline later ceased operations, halting progress on the proposed civilian air services. The Centre also stated that around 38 acres of land are required from the West Bengal government for the development of a civil enclave at the airbase.
Prakash Chik Baraik, Rajya Sabha MP from the All India Trinamool Congress, argued that the state government had already fulfilled its commitment by handing over the required land. He claimed the lack of progress reflected continued neglect of North Bengal’s infrastructure needs by the Centre.
On the other hand, Manoj Tigga, BJP MP from Alipurduar, alleged that the state had only issued a No Objection Certificate and had not formally transferred the land. According to him, the Union government is prepared to move forward with the airport project once complete land transfer procedures are finalised.
Amid the political disagreement, residents of Alipurduar and nearby regions remain uncertain about when civilian air connectivity will become a reality. Many locals have urged leaders across party lines to work together and accelerate the long-pending airport project, which is expected to improve tourism, trade and transportation access in North Bengal.