Indra Hang Subba urges Civil Aviation Ministry to speed up permanent restoration at Pakyong Airport slope

Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba has urged the Union Civil Aviation Minister to expedite the permanent restoration of a slope failure below the runway at Pakyong Airport. He said the delay has disrupted air connectivity and created hardship for people living and commuting in the area.

Subba made the request during a meeting with the minister at the latter’s official residence in New Delhi. He told the ministry that the slope failure triggered a landslide and also severely affected National Highway 717A, adding to problems for residents and commuters.

Delay in studies and restoration work

According to the MP, preliminary studies needed for permanent slope stabilisation and restoration have remained pending for several months. He said this has delayed the start of the project, and work has not commenced even after two monsoon seasons.

Subba said the affected slopes have continued to deteriorate, which increases rehabilitation risks and the overall cost of the restoration. He also raised the concern that the longer the timeline stretches, the harder it may become to carry out the work safely and effectively.

Request to complete approvals before next working season

He urged the ministry to complete surveys, investigations, planning and statutory approvals before the end of the current monsoon, so restoration work can begin during the next working season. He also pointed out that no scheduled flights are currently operating from Pakyong Airport, the state’s only airport.

Subba said the prolonged disruption has affected tourism, trade, healthcare access and the broader economy of Sikkim. The Civil Aviation Minister assured him that the issues raised would be examined on priority and that necessary steps would be taken to facilitate the restoration process.