Agartala, March 10, 2025: In a major boost to Tripura’s air connectivity and trade, State Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury inaugurated the newly constructed Domestic Air Cargo Terminal at Agartala’s Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport on Monday. During the event, the minister announced that MBB Airport is on track to be officially declared an International Airport, further enhancing Tripura’s connectivity to the global market.
Key Announcements Made During the Inauguration
While addressing the gathering, Minister Sushanta Chowdhury outlined the government’s ongoing efforts to transform Tripura into a regional hub for trade and travel. He confirmed that the State Government has been actively pursuing the status of an International and Immigration Airport for MBB Airport by holding talks with the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation.
“We are working to elevate MBB Airport to international status soon. I recently met with Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia in Delhi and submitted a list of key demands, including infrastructure development and enhanced connectivity,” said Minister Chowdhury.
Security and Immigration Facilities to be Strengthened
The minister emphasized that the Central Government has asked for additional manpower from the Tripura Police to facilitate the upgrade to an Immigration Airport.
“After holding a state cabinet meeting, our government has decided to provide additional police personnel to fulfill this requirement. We are committed to deploying necessary manpower to ensure smooth operations,” he added.
CRPF Deployment and Future Prospects
He further disclosed that approximately 265 CRPF jawans will be deployed to MBB Airport to strengthen security and immigration procedures, a significant step toward receiving international flight operations.
“The declaration of MBB Airport as an Immigration Airport is just a matter of time. We are moving in that direction rapidly,” Chowdhury said.
Kailasahar Airport Revival on the Cards
In a major announcement for the people of North Tripura, the minister shared that Union Civil Aviation Minister Scindia has agreed to visit the long-abandoned Kailasahar Airport with the aim of exploring options for restarting flight operations from the airport to further improve regional air connectivity.
“The Union Minister has assured me that he will visit Kailasahar to examine its revival. This is great news for people in the northern part of the state,” Chowdhury remarked.
Strategic Importance of MBB Airport
With the opening of the domestic air cargo terminal, MBB Airport is now equipped to handle increased trade traffic, especially for perishable goods, handicrafts, and industrial cargo, connecting Tripura’s products to national markets. The upgrade aligns with the central government’s Act East Policy, which aims to strengthen northeastern India’s connectivity with Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the cargo terminal marks a significant step in Tripura’s development journey, opening up new avenues for trade, commerce, and tourism. The prospect of international status for MBB Airport will not only enhance global connectivity but also contribute to the economic growth and employment generation in the state.
