West Bengal is set to strengthen regional air connectivity with plans for four new airports across the state. A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding between the Centre and the state government for the projects will be signed today under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.

The agreement will be signed in Kolkata in the presence of Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and representatives of the Airports Authority of India. Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal and Transport Minister Arjun Singh are also expected to attend the event.

The proposed airports will be developed at Charra in Purulia, Kalaikunda in Paschim Medinipur, Balurghat in South Dinajpur and Hasimara in Alipurduar under the regional connectivity programme.

The projects are expected to improve air links across West Bengal while supporting regional economic activity, investment and tourism. The development is also expected to create employment opportunities in the state.