“After obtaining various clearances from nodal departments, the work will commence in December 2022 with probable date of completion in June 2025,” Scindia said, adding that the AAI planned to develop the civil enclave at Bagdogra airport at an estimated cost of Rs 18.84 billion.

“We are thankful to the minister for allocation of the funds for development and expansion of the airport. It is located at the gateway of north Bengal, Sikkim and the eastern Himalayan region and has immense potential for growth. As the Centre is giving due attention to the airport, we are confident that the airport’s expansion will help in the progress of the region,” said BJP MP Raju Bista.

Since more than ten years ago, numerous parties have repeatedly called for the infrastructure of the airport to be expanded, particularly in light of the steadily increasing number of flights and passenger inflow.

The airport's current capacity is 7.5 lakh passengers annually. Nearly two million people travelled through Bagdogra Airport during the previous fiscal year.

Passengers encounter inconveniences as a result of the insufficient infrastructure, which also causes lengthy lines at the entry gates and crowded conditions at the security hold area.

There were over 4,500 people at the airport and 42 flight movements.

The state government donated 100 acres to the Center on March 16, 2022. The ministry floated a tender on April 14, 2022, for the creation of a master plan and the expansion work of the first phase.

“Bagdogra airport is strategically very important. That is why it seems the Centre wants to finish the work within the next three years,” said an ex-serviceman.

The plan called for the construction of various new infrastructure at the airport. Aircraft parking spaces, taxiways, the terminal, a fire station, an apron control tower, security cabins, watchtowers, a building housing navigational aids, a car parking space sewerage system, a sewerage treatment plant, an approach road, and internal roads are a few of these.

Two are detained