MP Supongmeren urges Centre to transfer 129.68 acres from Assam Rifles for Dimapur Airport expansion and planned infrastructure development
DIMAPUR — With land constraints continuing to hold back the expansion of Nagaland’s only airport, Lok Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) S Supongmeren Jamir has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to facilitate the transfer of the remaining land occupied by the Assam Rifles Training Centre and School (ARTC&S) at 3rd Mile, Chümoukedima, to the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
In a representation to the Union Home Minister, Supongmeren, who is also Chairman of the Airport Advisory Committee, Dimapur Airport, sought the release of 129.68 acres presently under ARTC&S occupation so that planned expansion of Dimapur Airport can proceed beyond its Phase-I requirements.
According to documents cited in the representation, 392.72 acres of Dimapur Airfield land were handed over to the National Airports Authority, now AAI, by the Defence Estates Officer, Jorhat Circle, in 1987. Subsequent official correspondence and the Military Land Register reaffirmed the transfer.
A Joint Survey-cum-Verification Report dated February 29, 2024, identified 148.58 acres as being under the occupation of ARTC&S, Chümoukedima.
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Assam Rifles transfers 18.8 acres for Dimapur Airport expansion
Of this, 18.8 acres were formally handed over to AAI on May 8, 2026, for Phase-I development of Dimapur Airport. The handover involved AAI, Assam Rifles and the State administration.
The MP has now called for the remaining 129.68 acres to be transferred to AAI, arguing that the land is necessary for the airport’s planned expansion.
He said that AAI had already submitted Master Plans 1 and 2 to Nagaland government, including proposals for a new terminal building and additional aircraft parking bays. However, he maintained that land constraints continued to restrict development and had implications for the airport’s infrastructure, safety and security.
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Supongmeren pointed out that Dimapur Airport is the only airport in Nagaland and serves as a critical air connectivity gateway for the State and adjoining areas.
He urged the Union Home Ministry to examine the documentary evidence submitted with his representation and issue necessary directions for making the remaining land available to AAI.
“Dimapur Airport is not merely an airport for Dimapur or Nagaland; it is a vital gateway for the entire region,” the MP said, urging that the remaining land required for planned development be released at the earliest.
He also sought time-bound action from the Union Home Ministry in coordination with the authorities concerned so that the remaining land could be handed over to AAI and subsequent phases of airport development could commence without further delay.