Assam signs MoU with AAI for feasibility studies for five greenfield airports near tourism sites

Guwahati: Assam government on Friday signed a MoU with Airport Authority of India (AAI) to carry out pre-feasibility studies for construction of five greenfield airports in order to boost tourism and connectivity.

The proposed greenfield airports are being planned near the state's popular tourist sites: Manas National Park, Umrangshu, Majuli, Diphu and Charaideo. While Manas is a UNESCO World Heritage Site wildlife destination, Majuli is the world's largest inhabited island and the centre of Vaishnavite culture. Diphu and Umrangshu are hill stations in Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao districts, respectively, while Charaideo in eastern Assam houses the Maidams of the Ahoms, which was accorded a Unesco cultural heritage site tag recently.

The MoU was signed in Guwahati by Commissioner and Secretary, transport, Akashdeep, and Chairman, AAI, Vipin Kumar.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said a greenfield airport at Manas would not only address strategic and security considerations but would also significantly boost wildlife tourism in the region. He further said that the proposed airports at Majuli, Umrangshu, Diphu and Charaideo would enhance regional connectivity and increase tourist footfall, thereby contributing to local economic development.

"The greenfield airports and consequently launching flight operations from these airports is expected to provide a major fillip to regional connectivity, while boosting tourism, industry and commerce, and strengthening strategic communication infrastructure across the state. such a move would also reinforce Assam’s role as a key gateway to North East and South East Asian nations," Sarma said.