In a significant move for Assam's connectivity landscape, state BJP president and Member of Parliament Dilip Saikia conducted a comprehensive review of the proposed Doloo Greenfield Airport project in Cachar district on Friday. He hailed the ambitious venture as a historic leap that will fundamentally transform air connectivity and act as a primary engine for holistic development across the Barak Valley region.
A Vision for Enhanced Regional Connectivity
During his inspection of the project site preparations, Saikia emphasized that the upcoming world-class civil aviation facility is poised to become a major growth catalyst for southern Assam. Once operational, the airport is expected to dramatically improve regional air links, reducing the current heavy reliance on long and arduous road journeys to Guwahati for air travel.
"This infrastructure-led initiative will accelerate the pace of development in the Barak Valley," Saikia stated. He extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for their steadfast support in bringing this critical project to fruition.
Project Details and Broad Impact
The Doloo Greenfield Airport is a major infrastructure undertaking with far-reaching benefits. Officials confirm that its advantages will extend beyond the three core districts of the Barak Valley to also encompass the Dima Hasao region and neighbouring states. This improved accessibility is projected to enhance business prospects and simplify travel for countless residents.
Strategically located near the East-West Corridor, the new airport is designed to eventually replace the currently used Kumbhirgram Airport, which operates from a shared Indian Air Force base and faces capacity constraints. According to the India Investment Grid under the PM Gati Shakti initiative, the project is classified under the Airports & Aviation Infrastructure sub-sector.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will develop the project at an estimated cost of Rs 2,000 crore. It involves the transfer of approximately 3,000 bighas (nearly 992 acres) of land from the Doloo tea estate. The current construction timeline schedules work to begin on April 1, 2027, with a targeted completion date of September 30, 2029. This marks a revision from earlier plans which envisaged a start in late 2025 and finish by late 2027.
Addressing Rehabilitation and Future Prospects
Acknowledging past concerns over land acquisition, Saikia provided assurances regarding the rehabilitation of displaced tea garden workers. He confirmed that affected families have been adequately compensated and resettled. "Rows of new houses have been constructed in the Doloo tea garden area, and the displaced families will soon move into their new homes," he said.
This statement addresses earlier opposition from various tea garden workers' unions, who had raised issues regarding job security and land rights. The government maintains that all necessary compensation and rehabilitation measures are firmly in place.
Upon becoming operational, the Doloo Greenfield Airport is anticipated to play a pivotal role in stimulating economic activity across southern Assam. Its primary impact areas are expected to be a significant boost in trade, a surge in tourism, and the creation of new economic opportunities, ultimately driving the overall prosperity of the Barak Valley and its surrounding areas.
