India moves to reactivate World War II–era airstrips near Bangladesh amid Siliguri Corridor security concerns
India has begun work to bring several long-abandoned airstrips in eastern India back into limited operational use as part of a wider effort to strengthen security and transport links in areas bordering Bangladesh. The move comes at a time of heightened regional sensitivity around the Siliguri Corridor — the narrow land strip that connects India’s northeastern states with the rest of the country — and growing attention on developments across the border in northern Bangladesh.
Senior officials familiar with the planning say the primary goal is to ensure that India has multiple, flexible air access points in a region that is both geographically vulnerable and strategically vital. While the facilities being revived are not expected to host large military aircraft, they are intended to be capable of supporting helicopters and small planes during emergencies or security situations.
Why the Siliguri Corridor matters
The Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the “Chicken’s Neck,” is a narrow stretch of land in northern West Bengal, in some places less than 25 kilometres wide. It serves as the only land route connecting the northeastern states — including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and others — to mainland India.
Because of its geography, the corridor has long been viewed by Indian security planners as one of the country’s most sensitive choke points. Any disruption in this area could severely affect civilian movement, trade, and the movement of security forces. Over the years, the region has seen increased attention due to geopolitical shifts, border tensions, and changing security dynamics in South Asia.
Officials say that maintaining operational airfields near the corridor adds a layer of resilience. “The aim is to keep runways in a condition where they can be used if needed, particularly for evacuation, logistics, or emergency deployment,” a government official said, requesting anonymity because the matter involves security planning.
Which airstrips are being revived
Under the current plan, five airfields that date back to the Second World War era are being targeted for renovation and basic upgrades:
- Ambari and Panga in Jalpaiguri district, West Bengal
- Balurghat in South Dinajpur
- Jhaljhalia in Malda
- Dhubri in Assam
In addition, Cooch Behar in West Bengal and Rupsi in Assam’s Kokrajhar district are already operational and have demonstrated that smaller regional air facilities can be successfully brought back into service.
The Airports Authority of India has transferred the Bengal airfields to the state government to facilitate local coordination and redevelopment. According to defence officials, most of these sites require only limited work for basic functionality, such as clearing vegetation, repairing damaged runways, and ensuring safe landing surfaces.
However, the condition of many of these airstrips reflects decades of neglect. “Some of them are overgrown, some have damaged surfaces, and in certain areas people have settled close to or even on parts of the runway,” a defence source said. “That means they are not ready for major aircraft, but with minor repairs, they can support helicopters and light aircraft if required.”
Developments across the border
India’s push to revive its own airstrips has been influenced by activity in northern Bangladesh, where an old British-era airfield at Lalmonirhat in the Rangpur region is being redeveloped.
The Lalmonirhat site lies roughly 135 kilometres from the Siliguri Corridor and only 12 to 20 kilometres from the Indian border. Originally built in 1931, it was an important Allied base during World War II and later saw limited civilian use before falling into disuse.
In recent years, the Bangladesh Air Force has retained control of the facility, which now hosts an aviation and aerospace university. The current interim government in Dhaka has also included Lalmonirhat in a wider plan to revive several colonial-era airports as part of an economic and infrastructure development strategy.
Indian defence planners have been closely monitoring the activity, especially amid reports of increased foreign interest in the site. While Bangladesh has publicly stated that the airbase is intended for its own national needs, Indian officials say they are factoring in all possibilities when assessing the regional security picture.
“The proximity of Lalmonirhat to a critical Indian corridor naturally draws attention,” a senior military analyst said. “Even if there is no hostile intent, India has to be prepared for different scenarios, and that includes ensuring its own infrastructure is ready.”
A broader security posture
The airstrip revival project is part of a larger strengthening of India’s security footprint in the eastern region. Over the past year, three new Army bases have been established in Chopra in West Bengal, Kishanganj in Bihar, and Dhubri in Assam. These deployments are designed to improve rapid response capabilities and surveillance along sensitive stretches of the border.
Officials emphasise that the airstrip upgrades are not aimed at escalating tensions but at ensuring preparedness. The facilities will also have civilian and humanitarian value, especially in a region that often faces floods, landslides, and other natural disasters.
“Small airfields can be extremely useful during emergencies,” said a senior official involved in regional planning. “They allow for quick delivery of relief materials, medical evacuation, and movement of essential personnel when roads are cut off.”
Looking ahead
While technical and logistical challenges remain, the revival of these forgotten airstrips reflects a strategic shift toward flexibility and readiness in one of India’s most sensitive regions. The focus is not on turning them into major military hubs, but on ensuring that India retains the ability to move people, supplies, and security forces quickly if circumstances demand it.
As regional dynamics continue to evolve, especially along the India-Bangladesh border, such infrastructure investments are likely to play a quiet but crucial role in maintaining stability and connectivity in eastern India.
