Dimapur Airport expansion gains momentum as Assam Rifles hands over 18.8 acres in Nagaland, paving the way for improved connectivity, infrastructure growth, passenger safety, and phased airport development under the Airports Authority of India master plan.
A major breakthrough has been achieved in the long-delayed expansion of Dimapur Airport after the Assam Rifles officially handed over 18.8 acres of land to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in Nagaland’s Chumoukedima district. The development is expected to accelerate infrastructure upgrades at the state’s only airport and improve regional connectivity across Northeast India.
The formal handing over and taking over programme was conducted on Friday at the premises of the Assam Rifles Training Centre and School in Chumoukedima. Senior officials from the Nagaland government, Airports Authority of India, and Assam Rifles attended the joint execution programme, marking a significant milestone in the airport’s phased expansion project.
Officials present during the programme included Dimapur Airport Director Moa Pongen, Assam Rifles Commandant K.D. Sharma, and several senior representatives of the state administration. The event began with an inspection of the identified 18.8-acre area currently occupied by the Assam Rifles Training Centre and School.
After the inspection, the land was formally transferred to the Airports Authority of India in the presence of senior government officials. Authorities described the move as an important step toward resolving one of the most critical obstacles delaying the expansion of Dimapur Airport.
During discussions held alongside the ceremony, officials also reviewed matters concerning the transfer of the remaining land occupied by the Assam Rifles, which is required for the Phase-II expansion works of the airport project. According to officials, additional directives from the competent authorities would be necessary to facilitate the transfer of the remaining land for future development activities.
The land transfer issue had remained unresolved for years despite repeated requests from the Nagaland government. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had earlier appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to intervene and ensure the transfer of the land occupied by the Assam Rifles for the airport expansion initiative.
Government officials stated that the Assam Rifles had already been allotted alternative land at Shokhuvi village in Chumoukedima district. A new training centre and school have reportedly been established there and are now fully operational. Despite the relocation arrangements, 18.8 acres out of the total 147 acres under Assam Rifles occupation had remained pending for transfer for an extended period, slowing down developmental activities at the airport.
The official further noted that the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) had previously vacated 8.4 acres of land for the Phase-I expansion of the airport, contributing to the initial stages of the infrastructure development plan.
In a letter addressed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah last year, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio highlighted the serious operational and safety concerns arising from the inability to expand Dimapur Airport because of severe land constraints. He urged the Ministry of Home Affairs to issue necessary directions for the timely transfer of the land and commencement of pending development works.
The Airports Authority of India’s master plan for Dimapur Airport includes phased development aimed at modernising airport infrastructure, improving passenger facilities, and increasing operational capacity. However, the project had remained stalled even during its first phase because of unresolved land acquisition and transfer issues.
Dimapur Airport is the only airport in Nagaland and serves as a crucial transportation hub for the state. Besides connecting Nagaland to major Indian cities, the airport also caters to residents of nearby regions in Assam and Manipur within an approximate 100-kilometre radius.
Officials stated that passenger traffic at the airport has steadily increased over the years, making expansion and modernization increasingly necessary. The airport’s strategic importance for trade, tourism, emergency services, and regional connectivity has further strengthened demands for faster infrastructure development.
The transfer of the 18.8-acre land parcel is expected to pave the way for runway improvements, enhanced safety measures, better terminal infrastructure, and future capacity expansion. Authorities believe the latest development will help remove long-standing bottlenecks and push forward one of Nagaland’s most important infrastructure projects.
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With the formal land transfer now completed, attention is likely to shift toward securing the remaining land required for Phase-II development. Government officials expressed optimism that continued coordination between state authorities, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and security agencies would help expedite the remaining processes and ensure timely completion of the airport expansion project.
