Guwahati, 13th February: The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation’s Steering Committee for Green Field Airports has taken a significant step toward realizing the vision of transforming connectivity in Barak Valley. In a formal recommendation, the committee has endorsed ‘site clearance’ for the proposed green field airport in Doloo, located in Cachar district, Assam.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his delight, announcing the committee’s decision on platform X. He highlighted the importance of this milestone, stating that it brings the region one step closer to achieving a remarkable connectivity transformation in Barak Valley. Under the Greenfield Airport Policy, the establishment of a new airport involves two stages: site clearance followed by in-principle approval. With this recommendation, the region moves closer to realizing its connectivity goals.
The recommendation signifies a significant advancement in aviation infrastructure development in Assam. Aligned with the Government of India’s Greenfield Airports (GFA) Policy of 2008, the committee’s decision sets the stage for the development of aviation facilities in Doloo, Cachar district.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) had submitted an application to the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) for ‘Site-Clearance’ under the GFA Policy, 2008, for the development of this airport at Doloo T.E., Cachar, Assam. The proposal underwent a thorough review process, involving consultations with key stakeholders such as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD), before being presented to the steering committee.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance regional air connectivity, particularly in the North Eastern Region, through schemes like UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik), launched on October 21, 2016. The scheme aims to make air travel more affordable and accessible to the general public. Under UDAN, several airports in the North Eastern Region, including Pakyong and Itanagar (Hollongi), have already been constructed and operationalized, contributing to the overall goal of connecting underserved regions and stimulating economic growth.
The recommendation for site clearance of the Doloo airport is a testament to the ongoing commitment to expanding India’s aviation network, providing new opportunities for connectivity, and fostering regional development.
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