Trinamool Congress MP Saayoni Ghosh has placed five key demands regarding the expansion of aviation infrastructure in West Bengal. She raised these important issues during a meeting of the consultative committee on civil aviation in Mysuru with Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu and Minister of State Murlidhar Mohol.
Ghosh proposed a time-bound plan to make the airports in Kalaikunda, Hasimara, Malda, Balurghat, and Purulia fully operational by the year 2028.
She stated that the state government is ready to provide necessary land acquisition and other required support.
The MP emphasized the need for the comprehensive modernization of the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.
Due to the rising passenger pressure in Kolkata, she demanded plans for a second airport along with increased direct flight services from Kolkata to the UK and USA.
Ghosh requested the establishment of DGCA-approved Flight Training Organizations in major hubs like Kolkata, Durgapur, and Siliguri to boost aviation jobs and training.
She also suggested developing a network of helipads across different districts of the state at intervals of 150 to 200 kilometers to improve regional connectivity, emergency services, and tourism.
The parliamentarian also demanded a study on the possibilities of improving connectivity through small airports in Darjeeling and Kalimpong.
