Imphal Airport Expansion: Justified?

There has been much talk about upgrading the Imphal airport (Also known as Tulihal Airport) to an international standard one. Many in their mind, somewhat immaturely, were already celebrating a flight to Bangkok (from Imphal)! While there are valid arguments to doubt the need for an international flight from Imphal considering the present economic and political situation, this current upgradation of course does not mean ‘an international airport’.
Moreover, it is not at all clear what upgrading to an international standard signify. From a lay man’s perspective, there are several questions that comes to mind. Does it mean installing night landing system so that there are night flights? Does it mean better navigation and safety equipments? Does it mean more infrastructure and facilities that caters to national and international travelers? Does it mean more runways and parking facilities with a possible forecast of high domestic and international traffic in the future? Or does it at all mean an economic boom for Manipuris to be able to travel aloft? One would suggest a little bit of scratch on the surface; and will expose the hollowness of this expansion move at this present time. Why then an airport expansion is what everybody should be asking.
The current airport definitely will need better facilities for passengers such as bigger lounge, more space for flight counters, eateries, waiting room, improved restrooms etc. There are existing land area within the current airport which can be better managed. Lands used by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) or the one used by the security force can be acquired for these purposes if required. As a matter of fact, there is no need for dilapidated CPWD office to be close to the airport, they can consider shifting to some other place. And for the security force, they have become redundant and the current security arrangements by the CISF serve the purpose. If these two non-airport related structures are acquired, there may be even space for all of the passenger facilities and may be for cargoes too. For a small state like Manipur one cannot afford to imitate Delhi or Bangalore. There should be people who are able to think and plan, based on the state’s requirements and land affordability or else we will greatly lose.
12/04/09 Ramananda Wangkheirakpam/Kangla Online

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Categories: Airports Apr 2009