Bagdogra Airport expansion a must

MANAS R BANNERJEE, SNS, BAGDOGRA. 29 DECEMBER: As Bagdogra Airport right now caters to passengers over 300 percent more than its actual capacity, several organizations and stakeholders have voiced concerns over the unexpected growth and said expansion of the 'hybrid airport,' which serves north Bengal, Sikkim, Western Bhutan, Eastern Nepal and Eastern Bihar, is a must.

They are concerned about the present status of the land acquisition process and technical problems in taking possession of leasehold land belonging to tea estates near the airport for implementing its expansion project.

The aerodrome is called a 'hybrid airport' because it is being controlled by both the Air Force and the Airports Authority of India.

"We are concerned about the future and status of Bagdogra Airport. Around seven to eight years have gone by trying to manage the around 40 agitating families who are unwilling to part with their land that could be used for setting up approach lights that will help aircraft land in the evenings and night" a senior official of an airline said on condition of anonymity.

"No body knows when the Instrumental Landing System (ILS CAT-II) will be installed here. At least 80 to 100 acres of land are required to change the 'apron side' layout in the operational area and 'city side' area with modern equipment, including aero bridges. But without acquisition of the land, how will the expansion project go ahead?" he pointed out.

"Adequate space is required for proper 'kerbside' management to avoid a chaotic situation in both the 'city side' and the 'apron side,' including the security hold areas. Relocation of the restaurant from the first floor has temporarily eased space constraints,' the official said, adding, 'The renovated Badogra Airport Terminal Building was operational in 2000. However, authorities later found in 2003 that the space was inadequate. Since then, passengers and stakeholders have criticized the space constraints in and around the airport.  Had authorities taken initiatives for vertical extension of the newly constructed part, the present situation, which is suffocating, in the security hold areas would have been better.'

"The present structure was extended for a short term solution. But it needs ape permanent solution.The present system at Bagdogra is 'power in and 'power out but there must be a 'pushback system'," he claimed.

It may be noted that the Airports Authority had prepared a detailed project report, keeping in mind the massive prospects in the coming 20 years, demanding more land measuring 1.00 acres for a new well- equipped terminal building and parking area for at least 25 aircraft. Presently only five aircraft can park in the operational area.

"The airport caters to 300 percent more passengers than its present capacity. This airport has huge prospects and huge business potential in the region. The development of the airport is the need of the hour, so as to satisfy travellers and stakeholders," Bagdogra Airport Director Rakesh Ranjan Sahay said.

A senior tour operator, Samrat Sanyal, said the expansion of the airport and the terminal building is a must. "There is a need to explore why there has been a delay in implementing the proposed expansion project and what the status of the land acquisition process is presently," he said.

(To be Continued)