Bokaro: As the wait for regular flights from Bokaro airport continued, a potential alternative was taking shape just across the State border at Charra in Purulia, around 26 km from Bokaro. Charra airfield with an history of the World War II is being considered for development as a regional airport, opening another possibility for air connectivity in the Bokaro to Dhanbad to Purulia industrial belt. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) had already conducted a pre feasibility study in 2023 at the request of the West Bengal Government and submitted its report to the State.
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Plans to develop Charra as a regional airport have gained pace, with an agreement involving the Centre, West Bengal Government and AAI expected to move the proposal forward. The airfield was built by the British in 1942 for military use during World War II and remained largely unused for decades. According to the Union Civil Aviation Ministry, if the West Bengal Government seeks its inclusion under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN), the proposal can be considered in a future round of bidding.
Bokaro Still Awaits Regular Flights
For Bokaro, the development comes against the backdrop of a long wait for commercial air services. The airport’s runway, terminal building and associated basic infrastructure were completed in April 2022, as stated in the supplied report, but regular passenger services have not started. Flights to Patna and Kolkata had earlier been proposed, with airlines including Alliance Air and SpiceJet showing interest. The availability of suitable aircraft and other operational requirements have remained among the issues affecting the start of services.
Industrial Belt Could Gain Another Air Option
Charra’s location gives the proposed airport relevance beyond Purulia. The wider region includes Bokaro and Dhanbad on the Jharkhand side and industrial areas around Raghunathpur in West Bengal. The State Government’s plans also link Charra with tourism, trade and industrial activity. At the same time, the Union Government’s current aviation policy makes commercial viability, traffic demand and an airline’s willingness to operate important factors in developing and operating regional airports. Thus, the eventual role of Charra and Bokaro will depend not only on infrastructure but also on airlines, passenger demand and the viability of regular routes.
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