Guwahati, July 2 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday urged the Centre to expedite approval for the proposed Greenfield Airport at Silchar while reviewing the progress of six planned airports across the state, as the government stepped up efforts to position Assam as the aviation and logistics hub of the Northeast.

During a meeting with Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu in New Delhi, Sarma discussed the status of key airport infrastructure projects, including proposed Greenfield airports at Silchar, Manas, Umrangso, Majuli, Diphu and Charaideo, besides a planned heliport at Haflong.

Following the meeting, the Chief Minister said on X that the discussions were “very productive” and reflected a shared vision between the Centre and the Assam government to significantly strengthen the state’s aviation network.

Sarma said the Assam government had completed most of the preparatory work required for the proposed Greenfield Airport at Silchar and requested the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation to accelerate the approval process so that the project could move into the implementation stage.

For the remaining proposed airports, both sides agreed to expedite pre-feasibility studies, enabling the projects to advance more quickly. The proposed facilities are expected to improve regional connectivity, reduce travel time to remote districts and enhance access to economically significant regions across Assam.

The meeting also reviewed the ongoing expansion of Rupsi Airport in western Assam, which has become an important regional aviation centre since commercial operations resumed in 2021 under the Centre’s regional connectivity scheme.

Sarma said the state’s aviation push is aimed not only at improving passenger connectivity but also at creating a robust logistics ecosystem capable of supporting trade, tourism, healthcare access and industrial growth.

He noted that stronger air infrastructure would play a key role in integrating Assam more closely with the rest of the country and neighbouring Southeast Asian markets.

The proposed network of Greenfield airports forms part of the Assam government’s broader infrastructure strategy ahead of the state’s long-term economic roadmap.

Over the past few years, the state has expanded investments in roads, railways, inland waterways and airports, with the government projecting Assam as the gateway to Northeast India under the Centre’s Act East Policy.

–IANS

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