Airports Authority of India Starts Feasibility Studies for Three Sikkim Airports

Gangtok: The Airports Authority of India kicked off pre-feasibility studies for three new airports in Sikkim on October 1. A multidisciplinary technical team is currently scouting locations at Ranka, Martam, and Sadam. They are checking technical, operational, and aviation viability. The goal is simple: boost connectivity across the mountainous state.

These assessments fall under the Greenfield Airports Policy of 2008. The team must also follow specific regulations for northeastern states. This work provides the data needed for future planning. Officials stated, "the ongoing exercise is only an initial technical assessment and does not amount to approval for construction or development of any of the three proposed airports."

Construction is not a done deal. Every final decision hinges on the study results. The state must still navigate statutory clearances, government policies, and strict procedures. For now, the experts are just measuring the ground.