Dimapur, October 13: The proposed expansion of Dimapur Airport continues to face delays, with the pending transfer of 129.6 acres of land and clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) emerging as key hurdles to the project.Of the total land required for the expansion, 18.8 acres have been handed over to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), while the remaining 129.6 acres are yet to be transferred.
The delay in obtaining the necessary MHA clearance has reportedly affected the land transfer process, holding back further progress on the project.Following the initial handover of land, the concerned establishment, the Army Recruitment Training Centre (ARTC) at Third Mile, has shifted its base to Chumoukedima.
However, despite the relocation, construction of the proposed new integrated terminal building and additional aircraft parking bays is yet to commence.The expansion plan aims to improve passenger facilities and enhance the operational capacity of the airport to accommodate the growing demand for air travel. However, the pending transfer of the remaining land and the necessary clearances continue to pose significant challenges to the project.
According to sources who spoke to Nagaland News Network (NNN), construction work and the finalisation of the next steps are expected around December. However, the timeline remains subject to the resolution of the pending land transfer and the receipt of the required approvals.As the lone airport in Nagaland, Dimapur Airport serves as a crucial air connectivity link for the state and neighbouring areas. The proposed expansion is expected to strengthen air connectivity and improve passenger handling capacity.
However, until the remaining land is formally transferred and the necessary clearances are secured, the commencement of construction remains uncertain.
