Bengal: Land survey for proposed expansion of Malda airport begins

Malda (WB), Jul 16 (PTI) A land survey for the proposed expansion of Malda airport here commenced as part of efforts to strengthen regional air connectivity, a senior official said on Thursday. The survey is being conducted jointly by West Bengal Land and Land Reforms Department and the Transport Department, Malda District Magistrate Rajanvir Singh Kapoor said. The preliminary survey began for extending the existing 1,350-metre airstrip of the currently commercially non-functional airport by approximately 1,150 metres, which will enable it to handle larger aircraft, he said. "The proposed expansion aims to enhance connectivity and support economic growth by improving access for passengers, and to boost trade, tourism and investment. Further technical assessments and land studies will follow," Kapoor said. The joint survey team assessed the proposed alignment and undertook a preliminary evaluation of land requirements, with initial estimates indicating that around 58.85 acres may be required, another official said. PTI COR AMR ACD