Demand for re started Air Service from Malda

Once upon a time Malda district was connected by air service. About fifty-six years ago, in the 1960s, Malda got its own air service. Although the economic condition of the district was not very strong at that time, small aircraft used to operate regularly to destinations like Kolkata and Balurghat. Malda airport was built around 1962 as a small domestic airstrip. Initially, Vayudoot company provided services here. But due to financial inefficiency, lack of passenger numbers and infrastructure deficiencies, the air service was completely stopped in 1986. 1st January 2014, the state government started helicopter service through 'Pawan Hans' from Behala in Kolkata to Malda and Balurghat route. Although there was a service once a week, on Wednesday, the service gradually stopped as the reconstruction of the airport started in 2017. Currently, Malda airport is in a defunct state. Although there are plans to restart it under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme of the central government, but there is no visible progress at ground level yet. Meanwhile, Malda Merchant Chamber of Commerce and Industries has submitted an application to the Indian Aviation Minister demanding the reopening of the airport. District President of Malda Merchant Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Ujjal Saha said that Malda Airport is suitable for 19-seater small planes, if Malda Air service is started, it will be convenient for import and export and it will be convenient for transporting sick patients.