Darjeeling, 03rd February: Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, on Thursday, highlighted the delay in the development of Bagdogra Airport Infrastructure in the Parliament and asked Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia for his intervention.
Bista, in a press release, said that Bagdogra in Siliguri is one of the 20 busiest airports in India. Furthermore, as Darjeeling and Kalimpong attract the largest number of tourists in the Eastern Himalayas, the majority of the tourists rely on Bagdogra for their transportation.
He said that although Bagdogra Airport carries immense potential for growth and development as an international airport, the infrastructure has remained unchanged over the decades. Passenger services and facilities are abysmal. He accused the West Bengal government of refusing to hand over the land needed for the expansion of the airport. Hence, people who use Bagdogra airport for transportation have to suffer on a daily basis.
"I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Hon'ble Civil Aviation Minister Sh. Jyotiraditya Scindia ji, for informing the Parliament that the Central Government is taking active measures towards resolving the delay in the development of Bagdogra Airport.", he added.
It is to be noted, earlier in January, reports said that flight traffic in Bagdogra airport is likely to be suspended for a fortnight in April this year for resurfacing the solitary runway.