Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has called on the Centre to expedite approval for the proposed Greenfield Airport in Silchar. This request came during a review of progress on six planned airports in the state, as Assam aims to establish itself as the aviation and logistics hub of the Northeast. Sarma, in a meeting with Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu in New Delhi, discussed the status of key airport infrastructure projects, including proposed airports at Silchar, Manas, Umrangso, Majuli, Diphu, and Charaideo, along with a planned heliport at Haflong.
The Chief Minister described the discussions as “very productive,” emphasizing a shared vision between the Centre and the Assam government to bolster the state’s aviation network significantly. Sarma highlighted that most preparatory work for the Greenfield Airport in Silchar has been completed by the state government. He urged the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation to speed up the approval process to transition the project into the implementation phase.
Both sides agreed to accelerate pre-feasibility studies for the remaining proposed airports to facilitate quicker progress. These airport facilities are expected to enhance regional connectivity, reduce travel time to remote districts, and improve access to economically vital areas across Assam. The meeting also assessed the ongoing expansion of Rupsi Airport in western Assam, which has gained importance as a regional aviation hub since the resumption of commercial operations in 2021 under the Centre’s regional connectivity scheme.
Sarma emphasized that the state’s aviation endeavors aim not only to enhance passenger connectivity but also to establish a robust logistics ecosystem supporting trade, tourism, healthcare access, and industrial development. He underlined the pivotal role of strengthened air infrastructure in closely integrating Assam with the rest of the country and neighboring Southeast Asian markets. The proposed network of Greenfield airports aligns with the broader infrastructure strategy of the Assam government in line with the state’s long-term economic vision.
Over recent years, Assam has increased investments in various sectors, including roads, railways, inland waterways, and airports, positioning itself as the gateway to Northeast India under the Centre’s Act East Policy.
