Kolkata to See Direct Flights to Europe as Central Minister Promises Initiatives

Kolkata, October 5 (Daily Kiran) : Central Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu announced on Monday that his ministry will soon begin discussions with various airlines to establish direct flights connecting Kolkata to several cities in Europe.

Naidu made this statement during his visit to Kolkata, where he attended the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Central Civil Aviation Ministry and the West Bengal government for the development of four new airports in the state.

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari urged Naidu to expedite the process of launching direct flights to European destinations, including London. The minister assured him that discussions with airlines would commence shortly.

The ministry aims to establish a total of eight new airports in West Bengal, with the MoU signed on Monday covering four of these projects. Naidu emphasized that the central government would provide full support to the state, ensuring a coordinated approach to the development of the new airports.

Special attention will be given to runway renovations and terminal buildings, while the central government will handle the technical aspects related to airport operations.

The four regional airports included in the MoU are located in the districts of Purulia (Chharra), South Dinajpur (Balurghat), Alipurduar (Hasimara Civil Enclave), and West Midnapore (Kalikunda). Notably, Hasimara and Kalikunda also serve as significant bases for the Indian Air Force.

Chief Minister Adhikari stated that the development of these new airports would significantly enhance the air connectivity infrastructure in West Bengal.

Under the central government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme, the state government will provide essential land, access roads to the airports, and necessary utilities such as electricity and water. Meanwhile, the central government will focus on developing the main infrastructure of the airports.

During the MoU signing, Adhikari also requested Naidu to consider establishing a pilot training institute in West Bengal.