KAILASHAHAR, Jan 27 (TIWN): If Kailashahar Airport is made operational; Unakoti District will have direct connectivity with Kolkata, Guwahati, South Assam and many other parts of the Northeastern region but no initiative is taken to boost the set up of the Kailsahar aerodrome. It will also reduce pressure on Agartala Airport.

Kailasahar aerodrome has now turned into barren land after it was left unused due to lack of government intervention and maintenance.

Kailasahar aerodrome, located at Durgapur area under Kailasahar sub-division which was established in the 60th century with small aircraft service, now remains closed for past 09 years due to lack of passengers and especially due to lack of intervention from the government.

It is to be mentioned here that in 2011 Airport Authority of India has visited the Kailsahar airport with  an aim to reopen it, however, after passage of years no up gradation is reported in  the  airport rather is has become a spot for the cattle’s to graze.

According to the sources, after the visit, the AAI team had noticed that the existing runway required to be expanded to almost double its present length and all modern safety equipment needs to be installed in the airport.  Question arises why no initiative is taken to modify the aerodrome.  

Lack of governmental intervention has ruined the up gradation work of the Kailasahar airport under Unakoti District.

However the sources also said that regarding the up gradation of the Kailasahar airport, the DM has submitted the direct project Report (DPR) with the state transport department. It has been learnt that the official had also sent a proposal with the department regarding acquisition of 70 acres of land for the up gradation work. The official source said that the DPR along with the design will shortly be place before an Airport Authority of India (AAI) board for approval of design and finance but so far no hardcore progress is noticed in the up gradation work.

Huge money is spent for the set of the Kailasahar airport and today just due to the lack of e intervention from the government as lack of maintenance has ruined the set up and there is no progress in the development of the airport. The kailasahar airport is one of the most ambitious projects; the state will get a boost if the aerodrome re-opens at Kailasahar in the coming days. However, question arise will the government take any initiative to restart the aerodrome based at Kaiasahar?