AAI team briefs Tripura CM Dr Manik Saha on Kailashahar Airport restoration initiative, following a technical inspection of the Airport site. Learn how this initiative aims to boost North Tripura’s connectivity and socio-economic growth.
Agartala (Tripura), May 28, 2025 – In a significant step toward enhancing regional connectivity in North Tripura, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha held a high-level meeting with a delegation from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on Tuesday to discuss the revival of Kailashahar Airport in Unakoti District.
The meeting follows a recent inspection of the airport’s infrastructure by an AAI technical team, signaling progress in the long-pending project.
AAI Team briefs CM on Kailashahar Airport restoration
Sources familiar with the discussions confirmed that the AAI delegation, led by M. Raja Kishore, Regional Executive Director for AAI’s North Eastern Region, and K.C. Meena, Director of Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport in Agartala, briefed Dr. Saha on the current status of the Kailashahar Airport redevelopment.
The team reviewed technical considerations and outlined the next steps for restoring and operationalizing the airstrip, which has been non-functional for years.
The meeting with the AAI delegation comes on the heels of Dr. Saha’s proactive efforts to prioritize the airport’s revival.
CM’s earlier efforts
During a recent visit to New Delhi, the Chief Minister met with Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia, urging swift action to expedite the project.
Additionally, Dr. Saha had previously raised the issue through formal correspondence with both the DoNER Ministry and Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan, emphasizing the need for immediate steps to restore the airport.
On Monday, an AAI technical team conducted a comprehensive field inspection at Kailashahar Airport to assess its existing infrastructure and evaluate the feasibility of its redevelopment.
The inspection, prompted by Dr. Saha’s advocacy, marks a critical milestone in the project, which is expected to bolster connectivity and drive socio-economic growth in North Tripura.
Kailashahar Airport revival: Socio-economic impact
The revival of Kailashahar Airport holds immense potential for the region and people living in the North Tripura and adjoining areas of Assam are optimistically waiting for successful restoration of the airport.
Once operational, it is anticipated to improve access to Unakoti District. With Unakoti archeological tourist spot becoming more easily accessible, the tourism sector is likely to get a big boost, benefitting locals.
Apart from facilitating tourism, and operalization of the Kailashahar Airport – one of the oldest airports in Tripura – will support local businesses by connecting North Tripura to major cities and economic hubs.
“The project aligns with the broader vision of enhancing infrastructure in India’s Northeast, a priority under both state and central government initiatives”, community leaders of Kailashahar commented.
Local people also hailed Dr Saha’s engagement and said the Chief Minister’s initiative reflects Government’s commitment to leveraging aviation infrastructure for regional development.
Regarding the meeting, sources indicate that discussions focused on addressing technical and logistical challenges to ensure timely progress.
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The Kailashahar Airport project is part of a larger effort to modernize and expand air connectivity in Tripura, complementing the operational Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Agartala.
As the state government and AAI collaborate closely, stakeholders remain optimistic about the transformative impact of the airport’s revival on North Tripura’s economy and connectivity.
Historical aspects
Quoting historian and writer Pannalal Roy, IANS Agartala reported, the land for the Agartala, Kailashahar and various other (now abandoned) airports in Tripura had been donated by the erstwhile Tripura kings.
“During the Second World War, King Bir Bikram supported and helped the Allied powers, especially Great Britain. He deployed a contingent of the Tripura Army to assist Great Britain.
During that time, Agartala, Kailashahar and other airports were built to facilitate the Allied powers,” Roy, who authored many books on Tripura’s royal history, told IANS.
He said that in 1943, Japanese fighter planes twice bombarded Agartala airport.
