Rupsi Airport in Assam ready to start commercial operations from January 2021

NEW DELHI: The Rupsi Airport in Assam is ready to commence operations under the 'Regional Connectivity Scheme' (RCS). The commercial operations are likely to start from January 2021.

This airport — under the 'AAI' (Airports Authority of India) has been re-developed at an estimated cost of Rs 69 crores and has also received its license from the 'Directorate General of Civil Aviation'. This airport is one of the country's newest in the RCS route; and will cater to the local population providing direct connectivity to cities like Guwahati and Kolkata.

The foundation stone for development of Rupsi Airport was laid on February 22, 2019. The airport will cater to the need of air travellers from four districts of Lower Assam, namely Dhubri, Kokarajhar, Bongaigaon and Goalpara as well as the neighbouring States of West Bengal and Meghalaya besides some parts of Bhutan.

The Rupsi Airport is located in Kokrajhar district. The town of Kokrajhar is 65 km from Rupsi Airport. The nearest town is Dhubri — which is at a distance of 20 km, stated a release.

Spread across 337 acres of land, the newly developed airport has a terminal building with an area of 3,500 sq. m. Equipped with 10 check-in counters, the terminal is designed to process 200 passengers during peak hours. The newly-built runway of the airport is suitable for the landing of the 'ATR-72'-type of aircrafts.

The city side of the airport has car parking (for arrivals and departures); and also has capacity to accommodate 100 cars. The airport is also provisioned with sustainability features like rainwater harvesting system, solid waste management system and horticulture works among others. Fenced forest with rich fauna and flora surrounds the airport.

The project work which includes construction of Terminal Building, ATC Tower, Security Hut and other allied works and development of air side facilities like Strengthening and Re-carpeting of runway, taxiway, apron and allied works including car parking slot, approach road, boundary wall is completed.

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