West Bengal Signs UDAN Pact for Four New Airports as Suvendu Adhikari Targets TMC

West Bengal Signs UDAN Pact for Four New Airports

West Bengal has signed an agreement with the Union Civil Aviation Ministry under the UDAN scheme for the development of four new airports in the state, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari using the occasion to criticise the previous Trinamool Congress government.

The agreement covers proposed airports at Chharra in Purulia, Balurghat, Hasimara and Kalaikunda.

Four Airports Included in Agreement

The memorandum of understanding was signed at Nabanna by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, along with senior officials.

Under the agreement, the West Bengal government will be responsible for providing land and essential infrastructure for the airport projects.

The Centre and the Airports Authority of India will oversee the development of the airports.

The plan is intended to expand air connectivity across the state and reduce pressure on existing aviation infrastructure.

Suvendu Adhikari Blames Previous TMC Government

The political dimension of the agreement emerged when Suvendu Adhikari blamed the previous Trinamool Congress government for delays in developing aviation and other infrastructure projects.

Adhikari said land availability had been a major obstacle and alleged that the previous government had not provided the required land for several projects.

These are political claims made by the state government and should be viewed as such.

The TMC's position on the specific allegations is separate from the implementation of the new airport agreement.

Airport Projects and Connectivity

The four proposed airports are spread across different parts of West Bengal.

The government has argued that improved air connectivity could support trade, tourism and regional economic activity.

The agreement also includes plans for a modern pilot training centre at Behala in Kolkata, adding an aviation-skills component to the broader initiative.

The proposed infrastructure could also provide additional connectivity options for areas currently dependent on road and rail travel.

Political Importance of Development Projects

Infrastructure has become an important political issue in West Bengal, particularly as parties compete over claims relating to development and governance.

The airport agreement allows the BJP-led state government to present a development-focused agenda while also contrasting its approach with that of the previous TMC administration.

For the Centre, the project also fits into the wider objective of expanding regional air connectivity through the UDAN programme.

Implementation Will Be the Next Test

Signing an MoU is an important administrative step, but actual airport development will depend on land availability, infrastructure preparation, clearances and construction.

The West Bengal government will therefore have a significant role in moving the projects forward.

The Centre and Airports Authority of India will also be involved in the subsequent stages.

The four proposed airports could eventually expand air connectivity across West Bengal, but the timeline for operationalisation will depend on the implementation process.

For the state government, the projects are now likely to become part of its wider development narrative.