Kolhan’s Flight Dream Stuck in Regulations
Jamshedpur: The long-pending dream of air connectivity for the Kolhan region has once again come under intense discussion, with the proposed greenfield airport at Dhalbhumgarh facing a fresh and significant obstacle—not just forests and elephant corridors, but now a strict aviation distance rule.
A recent statement by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has brought the issue back into focus. The minister clarified that under the current aviation policy, a new greenfield airport is generally not permitted within an aerial distance of 150 kilometres from an existing civilian airport.
However, he also added that if a proposal is submitted, its impact on the existing airport can be assessed and relaxation may be considered on a case-by-case basis. While the remark has sparked renewed hope for the Dhalbhumgarh airport project, it has also highlighted serious technical challenges.
Ranchi distance emerges as key concern
As per the Greenfield Airport Policy, 2008, a minimum aerial distance of 150 km between two airports is mandatory. Technical assessments indicate that the aerial distance between Birsa Munda Airport and the proposed Dhalbhumgarh airport is approximately 130–135 km, which falls short of the required norm.
This shortfall is being viewed as a major technical barrier to the project. In contrast, the aerial distance between Ranchi and Deoghar Airport exceeds 150 km, which is why the rule did not pose a problem there.
In the case of Jamshedpur and Dhalbhumgarh, however, the same distance criterion has become the biggest regulatory hurdle. Experts believe that only if the Centre is convinced that the Dhalbhumgarh airport will not adversely affect passenger traffic or commercial interests of Ranchi airport can a special exemption be granted.
Project stalled by forests and elephant corridors
The journey of the Dhalbhumgarh airport project has been fraught with challenges from the very beginning. In 2019, the foundation stone was laid by former Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das and former Union Minister Jayant Sinha.
An MoU was signed between the Airports Authority of India and the Jharkhand government, with an investment plan of around ₹100 crore. However, soon after the foundation-laying ceremony, the Forest and Environment Ministry raised objections.
The proposed site falls within an elephant corridor, a natural movement path for elephants. The Forest Department warned that airport construction could severely impact wildlife, particularly elephants. As a result, the project has remained stalled in official files for nearly six years.
Kolhan’s unfinished aviation dream
Despite being home to one of India’s major industrial hubs, Jamshedpur still lacks a fully developed airport. Sonari Airport currently operates only limited flights and cannot handle large aircraft.
The Dhalbhumgarh airport was expected to bridge this gap, but first environmental objections and now the 150-km distance rule have repeatedly stalled progress.
Aviation experts say that only strong and coordinated advocacy by the state government, local representatives, and Members of Parliament before the Centre can help Dhalbhumgarh secure a special exemption. For now, Kolhan’s long-cherished aspiration for better air connectivity remains grounded amid technical regulations and policy constraints.
