The long-abandoned Airports Authority of India (AAI) has raised serious concerns about the deteriorating condition of Kailashahar Airport following a high-level inspection, bringing the unused facility back into focus. The inspection revealed extensive infrastructure damage along with confirmed cases of land encroachment within the airport premises.
A delegation led by Agartala Airport Chief Security Officer S.K. Roy and Deputy General Manager (Electrical) R.K. Meena visited the site on Friday. Their findings painted a troubling picture of neglect: leaking roofs, water seepage weakening walls, shattered window panes, and dense vegetation overtaking the Air Traffic Control (ATC) building. The power supply room was also found to be in a severely degraded state, reflecting years of disuse and lack of maintenance.
According to officials, the primary objective of the visit was to verify reports of illegal occupation of airport land. During their inspection, the team surveyed the Durgapur section, where temporary shelters had reportedly been set up by local youths. The officials confirmed these encroachments, substantiating earlier allegations made by MLA Birajit Sinha.
Despite the grim findings, the AAI delegation indicated that immediate corrective steps would be initiated. Plans are underway to restore essential services such as drinking water and electricity within the airport compound. Additionally, authorities will prepare a preliminary estimate for fencing the entire परिसर to curb further encroachment and secure the land.
The inspection also evaluated land availability for potential future operations, aligning with the state government’s long-standing vision to revive the airport. Once operational, Kailashahar Airport has remained defunct for decades, with repeated revival promises failing to materialize.
However, the latest assessment has renewed cautious optimism. Officials emphasized that any move toward revival would depend on detailed feasibility studies, infrastructure upgrades, and stringent security measures. While challenges remain, the renewed attention signals a possible step forward in reclaiming and restoring this long-neglected aviation asset.
