AAI inspection exposes severe decay and encroachment at Kailasahar Airport, Tripura. Officials plan fencing, infrastructure restoration, and feasibility studies, raising renewed hopes for airport revival, improved regional connectivity, and long-awaited development after decades of abandonment.
A high-level inspection by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has brought renewed attention to the long-abandoned Kailasahar Airport, exposing severe infrastructure decay and confirming troubling instances of land encroachment within the premises. The development has reignited debate over the long-pending revival of the airport, which once served as a key aviation hub in northern Tripura.
The inspection was carried out on Friday afternoon by a delegation led by Agartala Airport Chief Security Officer S.K. Roy and Deputy General Manager (Electrical) R.K. Meena, along with other senior officials. Their visit revealed a grim and alarming picture of neglect, with multiple airport structures showing visible signs of deterioration due to years of abandonment.
According to officials, several buildings within the airport compound are in a dilapidated state. Roofs were found leaking, leading to significant water seepage that has weakened walls and interiors. Broken window panes, damaged fixtures, and unchecked vegetation growth were also observed, particularly around the Air Traffic Control (ATC) building. The power supply room, a critical component for airport operations, was reported to be in extremely poor condition, raising serious concerns about safety and functionality.
Speaking to reporters after the inspection, S.K. Roy stated that the primary objective of the visit was to verify allegations of illegal occupation of airport land. The team closely examined the Durgapur section of the airport, where temporary shelters had reportedly been constructed by local youths.
Officials confirmed that encroachment had indeed taken place, validating concerns previously raised by Birajit Sinha. The presence of unauthorized structures within airport premises has heightened security concerns and could complicate any future efforts to restore operations.
Despite the concerning findings, the AAI delegation outlined several immediate measures to address the situation. Officials announced that steps would be taken to restore basic amenities such as drinking water and electricity within the airport compound. Additionally, a preliminary estimate will be prepared for constructing a boundary fence around the airport to prevent further encroachment and secure the area.
The inspection also included an assessment of land availability and overall feasibility for reviving airport operations. This aligns with the broader vision of the Tripura state government, which has repeatedly expressed interest in bringing the defunct airport back into service to boost regional connectivity and economic development.
Kailasahar Airport, once operational, has remained unused for decades. Over the years, multiple governments have announced plans for its revival, but these have largely remained on paper, with little tangible progress on the ground. The latest inspection, however, is being seen as a potentially significant step toward turning those promises into reality.
Experts note that restoring the airport will require not only infrastructure rehabilitation but also detailed feasibility studies, security upgrades, and sustained investment. The confirmation of encroachment further complicates the process, making it essential for authorities to act swiftly and decisively.
While officials have cautioned that the revival process will take time, the renewed focus on Kailasahar Airport has sparked cautious optimism among local residents and stakeholders. Many hope that this inspection will mark the beginning of concrete action, paving the way for improved connectivity and economic opportunities in the region.
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For now, the spotlight remains firmly on the AAI and state authorities as they move forward with assessments and planning. Whether Kailasahar Airport can finally overcome decades of neglect and return to operational status will depend on the effectiveness and urgency of the steps taken in the coming months.
