Raju Bista, MP, Darjeeling, announced that the central government had approved a budget of Rs 30 billion for the expansion of Bagdogra airport, and the upgrade would commence soon.

Bista stated, "I recently had a one-on-one meeting with the chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI). During the meeting, he informed me about the approval of Rs 30 billion funds by the Centre for the expansion of Bagdogra airport. Later, the AAI officially announced the approval of funds."

He was present in Siliguri to attend an event where the formal announcement of the upcoming Bengal Travel Mart (BTM) took place. The Eastern Himalaya Travel & Tour Operators Association (EHTTOA) will organise the seventh edition of this major event in eastern India to promote tourism from September 9 to 11.

The BJP MP emphasised that improving connectivity in north Bengal was a priority for the Narendra Modi government.

Several projects will be undertaken in the region, including the construction of a six-lane road along NH10 from Balason of Matigara to Sevoke army cantonment, connecting the northwest and northeast of Siliguri. An allocation of Rs 10 billion has been made for this project. Additionally, the New Jalpaiguri station will undergo renovations, for which Rs 3.5 billion has been sanctioned.

"The construction of the airport's boundary wall is currently underway. Some modifications have been made to its design, and other construction activities will commence soon," he added.

The initial plan by the Centre was to allocate Rs 15 billion for the expansion of Bagdogra airport, which handles over 8,000 passengers and approximately 60 flight movements daily.

Later, the budget was increased to Rs 18 billion, and now there has been another revision in the funding allocation.

Sandipan Ghosh, the general secretary of EHTTOA, provided further details about the upcoming travel mart.

"Ghosh explained, 'BTM is considered one of the country's largest domestic travel marts, successfully showcasing the entire Northeast. Officials from the Union tourism ministry, the state tourism department, and representatives from the Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents, Tour Operators Association of Bangladesh, and Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India will attend the event.'"

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