Daijiworld Media Network - Agartala
Agartala, Jan 18: In a significant milestone for Tripura’s aviation sector, the Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) airport in Agartala has been upgraded from grade III to grade II by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), based on passenger movement and infrastructure advancements, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha announced on Friday.
Sharing the AAI circular on social media, Saha expressed pride in the achievement, saying, “It is a matter of great pride that MBB airport, Agartala, has been upgraded from grade III to grade II. My gratitude to Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi Ji for continuous support for the all-round development of Tripura.”
Alongside MBB airport, the AAI has also upgraded the Bhopal, Madurai, Surat, Udaipur, and Vijayawada airports to grade II.
A senior MBB airport official noted that the upgrade would elevate the airport director’s rank to general manager and significantly increase manpower. “MBB airport is the second busiest in the northeastern region after Guwahati,” the official said.
Steps toward international status
Tripura transport and tourism minister Sushanta Chowdhury revealed that the centre is set to declare MBB airport an international airport, with plans to operate flights between Agartala and Chittagong, Bangladesh.
However, he acknowledged uncertainties due to the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, which might affect the proposed operations. Previously, SpiceJet was earmarked to operate the route, with the state government committing Rs 15 crore to the AAI for this initiative.
Revival of unused airports
Chowdhury added that efforts are underway to operationalize the unused Kailashahar and Kamalpur airports in northern Tripura, further boosting the region’s connectivity.
Modern infrastructure
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated MBB airport’s new integrated terminal on January 4, 2022, constructed at a cost of Rs 438 cr. With a sprawling 30,000 sq mt area, the terminal is designed to handle both domestic and international passengers during peak hours.
Currently, the airport facilitates 13 flights daily, accommodating over 4,000 passengers.
Historical significance
Built in 1942 on land donated by Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, the airport served as a royal air force base during World War II. Renamed in honour of the Maharaja in 2018, the airport continues to symbolize Tripura’s rich legacy and growing aspirations.
With this upgrade, MBB airport joins the ranks of other northeastern hubs like Guwahati’s Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International airport and Imphal’s Bir Tikendrajit International airport, paving the way for enhanced regional and international connectivity.