Speculation over PM Modi visit to Siliguri for new airport

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi may lay the foundation stone for construction of a new terminal for Bagdogra Airport in the first week of March in Siliguri

MANAS R BANERJEE | SNS | Siliguri | February 16, 2024 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi may lay the foundation stone for construction of a new terminal for Bagdogra Airport in the first week of March in Siliguri, sources said today. But it is not clear whether the Prime Minister would be present for laying of foundation in construction virtually or physically.

Significantly, this information has gone viral especially in the Hills within the Jurisdiction of Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) and its adjoining areas and a section of Gorkhas have started discussing about it, asking each other whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be coming and speak for their long standing demand for constitutional solution of Hill region.

When asked to comment, chairman of Bagdogra Airport Advisory Committee (BAAC) Raju Bista, who is an MP from Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat, said: “The construction of a new Bagdogra airport terminal, the first phase, will begin shortly here and bhumi pujan will be held in the first week of March.” “I should not speak of the Prime Minister’s schedule until the Prime Minister’s Office finalises it. It is learnt that the tentative date may be 3 or 5 March. Everyone is expecting the Prime Minister’s physical presence to be better than virtually attending the inauguration of construction work.

I can say bhumi pujan will be held for the construction of the new Bagdogra airport terminal in the first week of March,” chairman BAAC Raju Bista said. A total of Rs 3,000 crore has been allocated for the construction of the new terminal. Mr Bista today attended the BAAC meeting at Bagdogra Airport and discussed the situation of the existing terminal and its development to facilitate passengers’ amenities as well as proposed upcoming development, landing facilities for flights even at night and preparation for the construction of new terminal.

Mr Bista has thanked chief minister Mamata Banerjee for providing required land for the construction of the new terminal. According to Mr Bista, the passenger flow has increased compared to last year and the airport has made rema