Siliguri, 24th February: Darjeeling MP Raju Bista chaired the Airport Advisory Committee Meeting at Bagdogra Airport, on Monday. MLA Shankar Malakar, Airport Director Subarmanium P and other members of the Advisory Committee were also present in the meeting.
As per the information, considering the increasing tourist influx and air traffic, key points of improving convenience and services for the people at the airport were discussed during the meeting. MP Bista stated that the Bagdogra airport needs an expansion at the earliest as it is currently handling 30 lakhs passengers, which is way beyond its 7.5 lakhs capacity.
During the meeting, Airport Director Subarmanium P informed that the Airport Authority of India has already taken up the upgradation work within the limited space. However, to enhance the Airport into a world-class facility, about 105 acres of land needs to be allocated to the AAI by the State government.
“I am hopeful that the government will rise above politics and expedite complete the process of the handing over the land as the expansion is for the larger benefit of the people and development of the North Bengal region as a whole,” the Minister stated.
Measures to be taken at the airport and ways to tackle emergencies in view of the Corona Virus outbreak were also discussed in the gathering. “As our region lies in close proximity with China, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, we need to upgrade the facilities to meet the requirements for any emergencies. I am hopeful that in the coming days, we will see a lot of improvement in the Airport facilities and service provided,” the Minister added.