Assam has signed a MoU with the Airports Authority of India to explore setting up five new greenfield airports.

• In a major push to strengthen its aviation infrastructure, the Government of Assam has signed a MoU with the Airports Authority of India to conduct pre-feasibility studies for five proposed greenfield airports.
• The five identified locations are: Manas, Umrangso, Charaideo, Diphu and Majuli.
• The agreement was signed between the State Transport Department and the Airports Authority of India. 
• The Chief Minister stated that these locations hold strategic importance in terms of tourism, economic development, and national security.

What is a Greenfield Airport?

A greenfield airport is a new airport built from scratch on undeveloped land, unlike brownfield airports which involve expansion of existing facilities.

Why is this important?

• Regional Connectivity: The move aligns with the Government of India’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik), which aims to improve air connectivity to underserved regions.
• Tourism Boost: Locations like Manas (near Manas National Park) and Majuli (river island) have high tourism potential.
• Strategic Importance: Border and hill areas such as Diphu and Umrangso enhance connectivity in sensitive regions.
• Economic Growth: Better air connectivity attracts investment, trade, and employment opportunities.

Current Aviation Growth in Assam

• Guwahati is being developed as a regional aviation hub.
• Passenger traffic at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport has crossed 17 lakh annually.
• Increased air traffic is also reported at Dibrugarh.
• Approval has been received for setting up a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility at Guwahati airport, which will support aircraft servicing and generate skilled jobs.

Exam Hook: 

Which of the following best describes a “greenfield airport”?
(a) An airport built only for defence purposes
(b) An airport constructed on reclaimed forest land
(c) A new airport developed from scratch on undeveloped land
(d) An upgraded existing airport

Answer: (c)

One-line wrap: Assam’s plan for five greenfield airports signals a major step toward turning the Northeast into a connected aviation growth hub.

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