AGARTALA, Dec 31 (TIWN): Kailashahar aerodrome has now turned into barren land after it was left unused due to lack of government intervention and maintenance. Kailashahar aerodrome, located at Durgapur area under Kailashahar sub-division which was established in the 60th century with small aircraft service, now remains closed for many years due to lack of passengers and especially due to lack of intervention from the government. Way back in 2011, Airport Authority of India had visited the Kailsahar airport with an aim to re-open it, however, after passage of years no upgradation is reported in the airport rather is has become a spot for the cattle’s to graze. The sources also said that the District Magistrate and Collector (DM) Mrinal Kanti Nath have sent a proposal to the state Transport Department in regard of the acquisition of 70 acres of land but so far no initiative has taken by the state government to re-open the airport at Kailashahar . And unfortunately, the state government is also maintaining silence over this issue. 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. It will also reduce pressure on Agartala airport. According to the sources, after the visit, the AAI team had noticed that the existing runway required to be expanded to almost double than its present length and all modern safety equipment need to be installed in the airport.

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

However the sources also said that regarding the up gradation of the Kailashahar  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 Kailashahar  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 Kailashahar  airport is one of the most ambitious projects; the state will get a boost if the aerodrome re-opens at Kailashahar  in the coming days. However, question arise will the government take any initiative to restart the aerodrome based at Kaiashahar?