Bilaspur Airport Development Delayed, High Court Seeks Answers

Bilaspur Airport development faces court scrutiny over delayed night flights and limited services despite approvals and land transfer progress.

Court Pulls Up Authorities

In a significant India News Update, the Chhattisgarh High Court has expressed strong displeasure over the slow pace of Bilaspur Airport development and the continued absence of night flight operations. The matter came up during a hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL), where the court questioned why approved facilities are yet to benefit passengers.

The division bench directed the state government and concerned authorities to submit a fresh affidavit detailing the status of development and operational delays.

Night Flights Still Pending

A key concern raised during the hearing was the delay in commencing night landing services. Petitioners informed the court that the airport had already received the required licence for night operations on February 6.

Despite this, no flights have been scheduled during night hours even after two months. Officials indicated that technical constraints cited by the airline have contributed to the delay, but the court asked why such issues remain unresolved.

Dependence On One Airline

The court also flagged the airport’s heavy reliance on a single airline for operations. It questioned the lack of efforts to invite other private carriers to operate from Bilaspur.

Authorities have now been instructed to provide details on steps taken to expand airline participation. The move is seen as crucial to improving connectivity and increasing flight frequency from the region.

Land Transfer Completed

In a major development, nearly 291 acres of land held by the Army has now been formally transferred to the district administration. This comes after prolonged delays and legal scrutiny.

With this addition, the total land available for Bilaspur Airport development has increased to approximately 646.8 acres, which officials say is sufficient for upgrading the facility to a higher operational category.

Long Legal Background

The issue dates back to 2018–19, when petitions were filed seeking improved air connectivity and airport expansion in Bilaspur. Continuous monitoring by the High Court led to the launch of commercial flights in March 2021.

However, the case remained active as petitioners continued to highlight gaps such as limited infrastructure, lack of night operations, and pending land acquisition.

Expansion Plans Detailed

Officials have outlined an ambitious development plan aimed at transforming the airport into a fully functional regional hub. The current runway, measuring around 1,498 metres, can only handle smaller aircraft.

Plans are in place to extend the runway to approximately 2,800 metres, enabling operations of larger aircraft. Additional proposals include runway lighting, a permanent air traffic control (ATC) tower, and installation of advanced landing systems.

The overall development blueprint is estimated at nearly ₹198 crore.

What Lies Ahead

Following the High Court’s strict observations, authorities are expected to accelerate both infrastructure upgrades and operational readiness. The next hearing, scheduled later this month, is likely to review progress on land utilisation and flight expansion.

The Bilaspur Airport development remains a key public interest story, as improved air connectivity is expected to boost regional growth, trade, and accessibility. With judicial oversight intensifying, stakeholders are under pressure to deliver tangible outcomes in the coming weeks.