Mizoram plans to build second airport in light of upcoming trade route

Responding to a starred question by opposition MLA Dr K Beichhua, Lal Thanhawla said a site has been chosen near Kawnzawl in central Mizoram that can at least be developed to cater to smaller-sized airplanes such as ATR flights although the government would prefer an airstrip large enough to accommodate larger aircraft.

Being a hilly state, it is difficult to find flat land for projects such as airports. Even the lone domestic airport at Lengpui is a tabletop airport, one of only five in the country along with those at Mangalore, Kozhikode, Kullu and Leh.

“A detailed project report of Rs 155 crores has in fact already been completed. But one hurdle we have faced is a rule that civil airports cannot be within 150 kms of each other as the crow flies. We have asked the Civil Aviation Ministry for special consideration,” Lal Thanhawla said.

The CM also explained the context in which the new airport is being considered, saying the main reason is because the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transport Transit Project (an MEA-funded road and waterway project that will link southern Lawngtlai town to Sittwe port in Myanmar’s Rakhine state) is soon to be complete.

“This project will put Mizoram on a major trade route, so we would prefer to have an airport in the southern parts of the state so that at least businessmen and officials can travel there easily,” the CM added.