Jalgaon Land Port, Hashimara Civil Airport projects gain momentum along Indo-Bhutan border in north Bengal

The West Bengal government has ramped up efforts to develop two key infrastructure projects along the Indo-Bhutan border following the change in the state’s political landscape.

The proposed land port at Jaigaon and the expansion of the Indian Air Force base at Hasimara in Alipurduar district, to facilitate civilian flight operations, have become the top priorities of the Suvendu Adhikari government.

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Minister of State for Home and Hill Affairs Bishal Lama, MLA from Kalchini in Alipurduar, recently visited both project sites and held meetings with local residents, public representatives, administrative officials and the police to review progress.

Lama said the state government is committed to implementing both projects in coordination with the Centre, subject to the availability of the required land.

At Jaigaon, preliminary work for the proposed land port has already begun. According to officials, the identified land is available and demarcation has been undertaken over the past few days. Encroachments on portions of the project site have been cleared despite resistance from some local residents, with the administration and police ensuring that the exercise was carried out peacefully.

Earthmovers and excavators have been deployed to clear vegetation, level the land and prepare the site for the initial phase of development. Officials are simultaneously completing the formal demarcation of the area earmarked for the project.

Meanwhile, the land acquisition process has also gathered pace for the proposed civilian airport at Hasimara. The project envisages the expansion of the existing Indian Air Force airbase to accommodate civilian flight operations.

According to Lama, about 37 acres of land are required, including an additional 12 acres that are now being identified by the Land Acquisition Department.

He expressed confidence that the project would move forward within the stipulated timeframe under the joint efforts of the Central and state governments.

The two projects are expected to significantly strengthen trade, connectivity and tourism in the strategically important border region. The proposed civilian airport at Hasimara is also likely to benefit residents of the adjoining areas, visitors to Bhutan and defence personnel.

At present, many serving personnel have to travel by road to Bagdogra Airport to access commercial air services. Once operational, the Hasimara airport is expected to provide a convenient alternative while improving regional connectivity across the Indo-Bhutan border.