Desk Report, February 13, 2024: In a significant stride towards bolstering air connectivity in the Barak Valley, the proposed new airport in Doloo, Cachar district, Assam, has received formal approval for site clearance. The Green Field Airports Steering Committee of the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation gave the nod, marking a crucial step in advancing the region’s aviation infrastructure.
Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, expressed his excitement on platform X, stating, “The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation’s Green Field Airports Steering Committee has granted ‘Site Clearance’ for our proposed airport in Doloo, Cachar District. This progress brings us one step closer to a landmark change in Barak Valley’s connectivity.”
This endorsement aligns seamlessly with the Greenfield Airports (GFA) Policy of 2008, a framework set by the Indian Government to facilitate the establishment of new airports nationwide. To realize this initiative, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) submitted an application under the GFA Policy to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), resulting in the approval of ‘Site-Clearance’ for Doloo’s proposed airport in the Cachar district.
The evaluation process involved rigorous assessments and consultations with key stakeholders, including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The positive decision from the Steering Committee marks a significant leap forward for Assam’s aviation infrastructure.
This endeavor is in tandem with the broader objective of enhancing regional air travel, especially in the Northeastern Region. Aligned with schemes like UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), initiated on October 21, 2016, UDAN aims to make air travel affordable and accessible to everyone. Notably, the Northeastern Region has already witnessed operational airports in Pakyong and Itanagar (Hollongi) due to UDAN, fostering economic expansion and connecting underserved areas.
The clearance of the Doloo airport site underscores the ongoing commitment to expanding India’s flight grid. This opens up new opportunities for connectivity and stimulates local growth. The Barak Valley can now anticipate a promising future, featuring improved accessibility and economic upturn, thanks to this significant step in developing its aviation facilities.
