Revitalizing Tripura's Tourism: Kailashahar Airport Reopens for Regional Connectivity

AGARTALA: In a strategic move to enhance regional connectivity and invigorate tourism, the state of Tripura is gearing up to reopen Kailashahar Airport, situated in the picturesque Unokoti district. Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury announced that the airport, which had ceased operations in 1989 despite its commercial viability, is poised to reconnect major cities like Agartala, Kolkata, and Guwahati with daily flights.

The rejuvenation of Kailashahar Airport is a multifaceted endeavor, entailing collaboration between the state government and the Ministry of Civil Aviation. After a high-level meeting with district officials and elected representatives, Minister Chowdhury conducted a site visit to finalize the project's details. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has committed to providing the necessary funding to ensure the timely execution of this ambitious initiative.

The project will unfold in two phases. In the initial phase, the existing airport infrastructure will undergo a comprehensive renovation. This will facilitate the operation of small aircraft on routes between Kailashahar and Kolkata, as well as Kailashahar and Agartala, by the end of the year. The second phase involves a substantial expansion of the runway, necessitating the acquisition of 700 meters of land from 22 local families. While this phase presents logistical and financial challenges, it promises to further elevate the airport's capabilities.

Minister Chowdhury emphasized the significant potential of the revitalized Kailashahar Airport to bolster the tourism sector and generate employment opportunities. He underscored that the airport's expansion aligns with the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation's broader UDAN regional connectivity scheme, which seeks to reopen and enhance airports across the country to facilitate regional air travel.

The decision to revive Kailashahar Airport is deeply rooted in the state government's commitment to enriching Tripura's cultural and traditional heritage. Minister Chowdhury highlighted that this initiative contributes to the larger vision of developing various tourist destinations. The state's Tourism Development Corporation has already formulated an extensive plan for the enhancement of Unokoti, often referred to as the Angkor Wat of the Northeast. Notably, the project has secured substantial financial support of Rs 140 crores from the Asian Development Bank, underscoring its potential to position Tripura as a prominent global tourist destination.

As part of this comprehensive plan, abandoned sites like the Sonamukhi tea garden near Unokoti are poised for transformation. A three-star hotel, a sprawling resort, a modern gymnasium, and a scenic park are set to materialize in the area. These ambitious initiatives are designed to allure tourists to Tripura's lesser-explored gems, enriching the region's tourism landscape.

In essence, the reopening of Kailashahar Airport stands as a testament to Tripura's commitment to progress and sustainable development. By revitalizing air travel and promoting cultural heritage, the state is poised to create a lasting impact on its tourism sector and the overall economy.

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