GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3092
( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 6th August 2026 )
EXPANSION OF BAGDOGRA AIRPORT
3092. SHRI RAJU BISTA
Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION
be pleased to state:-
(a) the current status of the Bagdogra Airport expansion project including the
expected timeline for its completion;
(b) the steps taken to improve direct air...
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. : 3092 ( TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 6th August 2026 ) EXPANSION OF BAGDOGRA AIRPORT
3092. SHRI RAJU BISTA Will the Minister of CIVIL AVIATION
be pleased to state:-
(a) the current status of the Bagdogra Airport expansion project including the expected timeline for its completion;
(b) the steps taken to improve direct air and helicopter connectivity at Bagdogra Airport under the UDAN Scheme;
(c) whether the Government has evaluated the development of minor airstrips and helipads in the districts of North Bengal; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Murlidhar Mohol)
(a): The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has undertaken the development of New Civil Enclave at Bagdogra Airport at an estimated cost of Rs.1549 crore.
The projected date of completion for the project is March, 2027. However, the timeline for completion of the airport projects depends upon many factors such as land acquisition, availability of mandatory clearances, financial closures etc.
(b) to (d): The objective of the UDAN Scheme is to develop and operationalise unserved or underserved airstrips including heliports in North Eastern region, hilly states, and island territories to improve regional air connectivity and make air travel accessible in remote areas.
The next phase of the UDAN Scheme, launched on 04.07.2026, expands air and helicopter connectivity by envisaging the development of 100 airports and 200 modern helipads in Aspirational Districts and Priority Area districts where no heliport or airport is operational or under development, which will facilitate improved access for passenger connectivity as well as support emergency medical evacuation, disaster response and relief operations in remote and underserved areas.The modified UDAN scheme introduces a Challenge Mode framework under which the State Government of West Bengal may identify and nominate suitable locations for development of airport and heliport infrastructure, subject to operational feasibility and availability of suitable sites.
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