Chharra Airstrip Poised for Re-takeoff — From Warzone to Regional Gateway
by Jai Sinha
A World War-II airstrip at Purulia in West Bengal that lay silent for nearly eight decades is finally preparing to roar back to life. The West Bengal government has approved an ambitious ₹150-crore redevelopment plan to transform the Chharra airstrip in Purulia into a functional regional airport — marking one of the biggest infrastructure pushes in western Bengal in recent years.
From Wartime Hub to Forgotten Relic
Built between 1942 and 1943 by British forces, Chharra Airstrip once played a critical role in Allied operations during the Second World War. It served as a supportive base for aircraft flying the perilous “Hump Route” over the Himalayas.
After 1945, however, the runway slipped into disuse, becoming a windswept wartime relic visited only by villagers and history enthusiasts.
Local residents continued to see the airstrip as a symbol of military heritage, but decades of demands for conservation or tourism development went unanswered. Until now.
Revival Gains Pace
The revival, first considered in 2018, has now received official momentum. Transport department officials confirmed that the project will be executed in two phases, beginning with the construction of:
- 1,100-metre runway
- Compact terminal for approx. 160 daily passengers
- Aircraft parking bays
- ATC tower and fire station
- Essential utilities and safety systems
The initial phase will support 19-seater aircraft, with provisions to gradually expand the runway and terminal for ATR-class flights. Officials noted that the airstrip’s vast open land and minimal encroachment give it a major advantage for quick development.
Transport Minister Snehashish Chakraborty said the aim is to build a “small but efficient regional airport” that can connect Purulia and Bengal’s tribal belt with Jharkhand’s growing industrial corridor.
Push Under UDAN, New Connectivity for the Region
The state is expected to leverage the UDAN regional connectivity scheme to attract airline operators and secure commercially viable routes linking:
- Purulia
- Bokaro
- Jamshedpur
- Bankura
- Ranchi
Technical inspections, feasibility studies, and land surveys have already been completed, and tenders for civil and terminal works are set to be floated soon.
Tourism & Industry Expect a Boost
The project has been welcomed by local industries, MSMEs, and tourism operators, who say the airport could transform the region by enabling:
- Faster travel across Bengal–Jharkhand
- Stronger logistics for industrial hubs
- Growth in tourism around Ayodhya Hills, Joychandi Pahar, and heritage sites
- New investments and job opportunities
Experts Caution on Long-Term Execution
Aviation experts, however, say the project’s long-term success will depend on sustained airline interest, smooth road connectivity to Purulia town, and timely execution of the two-phase plan.
A Runway Where History Meets the Future
Once a launchpad for wartime missions, Chharra is now being readied to welcome modern commercial aircraft. If all goes as planned, Purulia may soon witness the return of engine roar over a runway that has slept in silence since World War II — a rare moment where history and development converge on the same strip of concrete.
