The Indian government is planning to revive five abandoned airstrips from World War II in states bordering Bangladesh to enhance regional connectivity and strengthen strategic security.
Located in West Bengal, Assam, and Tripura, the main objective of refurbishing these airstrips is to bolster the security of India’s highly sensitive “Siliguri Corridor” or “Chicken’s Neck”, the narrow land link connecting the northeastern states with the rest of India.
According to the Times of India, the initiative comes at a time when diplomatic relations between India and neighboring Bangladesh are at historic lows. New Delhi is reportedly unwilling to take any risk regarding the safety of this narrow corridor, which serves as the only land connection to northeastern India.
Defense analysts cite Bangladesh’s move to redevelop the Lalmonirhat airbase in the Rangpur division as a key factor behind India’s renewed interest. The base’s proximity to the Siliguri Corridor has raised concerns within Indian military circles.
While the Bangladesh government has stated that the airbase will be used solely for national purposes, Indian sources claim that New Delhi is also preparing its military infrastructure along the border to respond to any sudden contingencies. As part of this effort, three new military bases named “Lachit Barphukan” have been established near the West Bengal–Bihar border, and the revival of these five airstrips forms part of broader military preparedness.
The airstrips planned for refurbishment are: Ambari and Panga in Jalpaiguri, Balurghat in South Dinajpur, Jhaljhalia in Malda, and Dhubri in Assam. Previously, the Cooch Behar and Rupsi airports in Assam were successfully restored.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has handed over the management of West Bengal’s airports to the state government. An unnamed official stated that India wants these runways to remain ready for emergency operational use at all times. The refurbished airstrips will play a key role in rapid troop deployment or logistics supply during crises.
Defense sources note several technical challenges in restoring these abandoned airstrips. Decades of neglect have left some overgrown with dense forests, runways damaged, and in certain cases, civilian settlements developed around them.
Although the airstrips are currently unsuitable for large military aircraft, minor repairs could make them usable for helicopters or small military planes in emergency situations. Against the backdrop of geopolitical changes across the border, India is prioritizing the development of this strategic defense infrastructure to safeguard its northeastern region.
