Purulia, September 21: Purulia is set for a major connectivity and industrial development push, with the West Bengal government scheduled to sign an agreement with the Centre on September 28 to develop an airport under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said preparations for the project have been completed and the state has already applied for the required licence.
The proposed Purulia airport is expected to improve air connectivity and support tourism, trade, infrastructure and industrial activity in the district. The latest reports also indicate that the proposed airport at Chharra near Purulia town is among four airports planned in West Bengal under UDAN. The other proposed locations are Balurghat, Hasimara and Kalaikunda.
₹1 Lakh Crore Investment Pipeline in Purulia
Adhikari said the state expects investment proposals worth around ₹1 lakh crore in Purulia over the next year, covering sectors including defence, steel, cement and solar energy. He also highlighted a major project in Raghunathpur, where a foundation stone has been laid for an industrial project worth around ₹4,000–₹5,000 crore.
Solar power projects are reportedly attracting significant interest, with companies showing interest in establishing plants in the district. The state has also outlined plans to expand the Purulia mini zoo and renovate Forest Department guest houses to promote religious and forest tourism.
Four Bengal Airports Under UDAN
The September 28 agreement is expected to advance West Bengal's broader regional aviation plans. According to UNI, the state is preparing to sign an MoU with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) covering four proposed airports, with the Chharra airport near Purulia receiving particular attention.
The Centre's Modified UDAN scheme, approved in March 2026 with a ₹28,840-crore outlay, aims to strengthen air connectivity to underserved and unserved regions.