Bilaspur: The Chhattisgarh High Court has stepped in once again to speed up infrastructure development at Bilasa Devi Kevat Airport in Bilaspur, directing the state’s Chief Secretary to personally monitor the completion of the airport’s utility building within the next three months. The order came during the hearing of an ongoing public interest litigation (PIL) that has been tracking the airport’s development and passenger facilities for several years.
The court observed that while several improvements have been made at the airport over the past few months, the utility building located outside the terminal remains unfinished. It directed the Chief Secretary to ensure that the project does not face further delays and that construction is completed within the stipulated timeline.
Court Seeks Faster Completion of Pending Infrastructure
The High Court has been closely monitoring the progress of Bilaspur Airport through regular hearings. During the latest proceedings, the judges noted that most essential passenger facilities inside the terminal have either been completed or significantly improved.
However, the utility building—meant to provide supporting infrastructure and passenger conveniences outside the terminal—has remained incomplete. The court stressed that the project should now be treated as a priority and instructed the Chief Secretary to supervise the work personally.
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Why the Utility Building Matters
Although the airport has become operational, supporting infrastructure is equally important for smooth passenger movement and better airport services.
The utility building is expected to strengthen facilities around the terminal by supporting essential passenger amenities and operational requirements. Once completed, it is likely to improve the overall travel experience for people using Bilaspur Airport.
The court’s intervention reflects the importance of ensuring that infrastructure projects are not left incomplete even after airport operations begin.
Airport Has Witnessed Major Improvements
Over the past year, the State Government informed the High Court that several passenger facilities have already been developed at Bilasa Devi Kevat Airport.
These include:
- Improved seating arrangements inside the terminal.
- Drinking water facilities.
- Functional washrooms.
- Child care room.
- Flight Information Display System (FIDS).
- Public announcement system.
- Medical facilities.
- Food and beverage arrangements.
The government has also stated that work relating to airport expansion, apron development and other supporting infrastructure is progressing separately.
Long-Running PIL on Bilaspur Airport Development
The Bilaspur Airport project has been under judicial scrutiny through an ongoing PIL concerning airport expansion, passenger amenities and operational readiness.
Over multiple hearings, the High Court has sought status reports from the State Government, Airports Authority officials and other agencies. Earlier directions covered issues such as transfer of defence land, viability gap funding, night landing facilities and basic passenger infrastructure.
The latest order continues that monitoring process by focusing specifically on the unfinished utility building and fixing a clear deadline for its completion.
Chief Secretary Given Direct Responsibility
Rather than leaving the matter solely to departmental officials, the court has entrusted the Chief Secretary with monitoring the project. This reflects the High Court’s concern over delays and its intention to ensure coordination among different government departments involved in the airport’s development.
The court expects regular oversight so that construction is completed without further procedural hurdles.
Why This Matters for Chhattisgarh
Bilaspur is one of Chhattisgarh’s major commercial and administrative centres. A fully developed airport with complete passenger infrastructure can improve regional connectivity, support business travel and encourage investment in the region.
Better airport facilities can also make air travel more convenient for residents, students, professionals and industries that rely on faster transportation. The High Court’s latest direction is expected to accelerate the final phase of infrastructure development and help ensure that Bilaspur Airport operates with all essential supporting facilities in place.
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