Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday, 2 July urged the Union government to accelerate approvals for the proposed Greenfield Airport at Silchar, as he reviewed the progress of six planned airport projects across the state with Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu in New Delhi. The push is part of a broader effort to establish Assam as the aviation and logistics hub of Northeast India.

Key Developments from the Meeting

During the New Delhi meeting, Sarma and Naidu discussed the status of proposed Greenfield airports at Silchar, Manas, Umrangso, Majuli, Diphu, and Charaideo, along with a planned heliport at Haflong. Sarma noted that the Assam government had completed most of the preparatory groundwork for the Silchar facility and requested the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation to fast-track the approval process so the project could move into the implementation stage.

For the remaining proposed airports, both sides agreed to expedite pre-feasibility studies to advance the projects more quickly. Sarma described the discussions as 'very productive' in a post on X, saying they reflected a shared vision between the Centre and the state government to significantly strengthen Assam's aviation network.

Why Silchar Matters

Silchar is the largest city in southern Assam's Barak Valley and serves as a critical commercial and administrative centre for the region. A Greenfield airport would dramatically improve connectivity to an area that has historically been underserved by air infrastructure, reducing travel time and opening new routes for trade and healthcare access. The city currently relies on the existing Silchar Airport, which faces capacity and operational constraints.

Rupsi Airport and Regional Connectivity

The meeting also reviewed the ongoing expansion of Rupsi Airport in western Assam, which resumed commercial operations in 2021 under the Centre's regional connectivity scheme and has since grown into an important regional aviation hub. Its trajectory is seen as a model for what the newer proposed airports could achieve once operational.

Assam's Larger Aviation and Logistics Vision

Sarma emphasised that the state's aviation push extends beyond passenger connectivity. The government is aiming to build a robust logistics ecosystem capable of supporting trade, tourism, healthcare access, and industrial growth. He also highlighted the strategic dimension — stronger air infrastructure would help integrate Assam more closely with Southeast Asian markets, in line with the Centre's Act East Policy.

The proposed network of Greenfield airports forms part of Assam's broader infrastructure strategy that has, over recent years, seen expanded investments across roads, railways, and inland waterways. With the state positioning itself as the gateway to Northeast India, the aviation projects are expected to play a central role in its long-term economic roadmap.