The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Assam government have inked a memorandum of understanding for the purpose of conducting a pre-feasibility study for the construction of five greenfield airports in the state.
The suggested locations for the greenfield airports are Umrangso, Majuli, Charaideo, Diphu, and Manas National Park.
Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was present when AAI chairman Vipin Kumar and Transport Commissioner and Secretary Akashdeep inked the deal here on Friday night.
Speaking at the event, Sarma expressed gratitude to the AAI for taking the initiative to conduct the pre-feasibility study at the five sites that were chosen.
In addition to addressing strategic and security concerns, he insisted that a greenfield airport at Manas would greatly increase wildlife tourism in the area.
He added that the planned airports at Majuli, Umrangso, Diphu, and Charaideo would boost tourism and improve regional connectivity, which would boost the local economy.
Additionally, the chief minister insisted that the construction of these greenfield airports would allow Assam to establish a model that other states could follow.
Given its advantageous location in the Siliguri corridor, he asked the AAI to take into account transforming Rupsi Airport into a full-fledged airport.
Additionally, Sarma requested AAI to improve international airline connections from Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport.
He continued by saying that the construction of the greenfield airports would strengthen the state’s position as a major entry point to the countries of Southeast Asia.
