Left: Signing of MoU between AAI and the State Government of Sikkim for recommencement of work at Pakyong Airport
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the State Government of Sikkim, a state in the northwest of India, have signed a memorandum of understanding for the recommencement of construction work for Pakyong Airport near Gangtok.
Construction work for the project was halted in January 2015 after local residents complained about the earth-filling works and the compensation being paid for the properties affected. The State Government has now committed to relocating the residents by August 15, 2015, allowing AAI to continue with building the new airport.
Work on the airport will recommence in October 2015, with completion scheduled for September 2017. The land for the airport is being reclaimed by hill cutting on the mountainside, and then using the excavated materials for geo-technical fill on the valley side.
