When Darjeeling Almost Had an Airport: Revisiting a Lost Colonial Era Vision

Date: June 15, 2025 | GK News India | Darjeeling Desk

Darjeeling—fondly known as the “Queen of the Hills”—once flirted with the idea of having its own airstrip during British rule. Let’s revisit this intriguing slice of hill-station history.



Picture Courtesy British Library 

Picture Source Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling 


A Strategic Hill Outpost Turned Tourist Haven

Originally part of Sikkim, Darjeeling entered British control in 1835, chosen for its salubrious climate to serve as a rural sanatorium for colonial officers  . Soon, roads, railway lines, and sanatoriums crowded its slopes, transforming it into a premier summer retreat. Over subsequent decades, it became both a military cantonment and a leisurely getaway .


The 1940s Airport Concept

Amid World War II, Darjeeling’s strategic elevated position drew interest as a potential air base. British military stationed in the hills considered constructing a small airstrip or mountain airfield, aimed at facilitating troop movements and logistics.


Though practical challenges—narrow ridges, heavy monsoons, and limited flat terrain—quickly became apparent, the idea briefly took flight. Fortunately, hurdles including steep gradients and landslide-prone zones led to its shelving in favour of Bagdogra, which ultimately became the gateway airport to Darjeeling and Sikkim.


Why the Project Faded Away

• Terrain Constraints: The steep hill crests lacked sufficient flat land for safe takeoff and landing.

• Weather Risks: Frequent fog, rain, and landslides made aviation operations untenable.

• Bagdogra’s Rise: A nearby site with flat terrain and AAI support, Bagdogra (IXB) outperformed all other sites and officially began serving the region in the post-independence era.


Modern Travel to Darjeeling

Today, tourists bound for Darjeeling fly into Bagdogra Airport, located 90 km away and well connected by road. The ascent is completed via scenic routes such as the Hill Cart Road or even the historic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (Toy Train).


A Legacy Remembered

The abandoned airport dream is a testament to Darjeeling’s importance during the colonial era—as both a military frontier and genteel resort. Though the airstrip never took off, its memory reminds us how geography and governance once shaped the region’s destiny.




#DarjeelingHistory #ColonialLegacy #HillStationHeritage #ForgottenAirstrip #BagdograGateway #ToyTrain #GKNewsIndia #NorthBengal #HeritageStory #DarjeelingPast

Location: Darjeeling, West Bengal, India

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Heavy Showers & Heat Alerts Across Eastern & Northeast India

Image
Date: June 13, 2025 at 6:42 PM As the monsoon begins to sweep in, varying weather patterns are emerging across key regions in Bengal, Sikkim, Andaman, and the Northeast—affecting travel and outdoor activities. Kolkata continues to reel under intense heat with highs reaching 36°C, but afternoon showers are expected to bring some relief starting June 14. Travelers are advised to plan early morning outings. Andaman (Port Blair) remains under windy and rainy conditions throughout the week. Daily showers and strong coastal winds may disrupt ferry routes and marine activities. Temperatures hover around 28–31°C. Siliguri & Darjeeling are experiencing extreme pre-monsoon heat. Siliguri has issued a heat advisory with temperatures rising above 39°C, while Darjeeling remains cooler at 25–28°C, but with frequent afternoon thundershowers. Gangtok (Sikkim) sees cloudy skies and mild temperatures between 23–31°C. Light to moderate rain is expected daily—ideal for early trekking but not late...
Read more

Echoes of Dust and Desire: Sonar Kellay Jawker Dhan Reimagines the Classic with a Soulful Twist on Ray’s Legacy

Image
Date : June 16, 2025 | GK News India | Kolkata Desk When the golden rays of Rajasthan’s desert light up the ramparts of Jaisalmer Fort, you’re transported back to 1971—when Satyajit Ray’s  Sonar Kella  etched itself into Bengali cinema lore. Fast-forward five decades, and the legacy returns in a thrilling new avatar:  Sonar Kellay Jawker Dhan , the third installment in the “Jawker  Dhan” treasure-hunt series directed by Sayantan Ghosal. Released on  May 30, 2025 , the film reclaims that nostalgic magic while forging a bold new narrative around Bengal’s beloved adventure archetypes. Picture Courtesy: Surinder Films At its heart, the film explores the continuity of fate and memory, weaving the threads of past-life recollection into a high-stakes treasure hunt. In this, grown-up Mukul—played by  Suprobhat Das , who accompanied the trio of treasure-seekers—remains the emotional anchor. Famously portrayed by a youthful actor in Ray’s original, Mukul is now thrust int...
Read more

Chilapata Jungle Safari Closed for 3 Months: Locals Affected, Wildlife Gets Breathing Space

Image
  Location: Dooars, North Bengal | Date: June 14, 2025 Segment: Travel Alert • Jungle Safari • Northeast India As the monsoon makes its way into the eastern Himalayan foothills, several forest corridors across North Bengal are closing down temporarily, with Chilapata Forest announcing a complete closure of its safari routes from June 16 to September 15. This is part of an annual conservation schedule enforced by the forest department to allow wildlife to breed and the forest to recover during the rainy season. A 3-Month Pause for Nature The closure affects key eco-tourism hotspots, including: Chilapata Forest Safari Parts of Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary Buxa Tiger Reserve buffer zones All jeep safaris, elephant rides, nature walks, and forest stay permits have been put on hold. This is a routine process during the monsoon in all major Indian reserves, aimed at protecting the breeding cycle of animals like elephants, leopards, bison, and various bird species. Voices from t...
Read more