Chakulia Airport History | WWII Airfield, Current Status & Future Plans

Chakulia Airport

Chakulia Airport (ICAO: VECK) is a historic airfield located in the East Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, India. Originally constructed during World War II as a strategic military base, this airport spans approximately 515 acres with an elevation of 423-425 feet above sea level. Currently non-operational for commercial flights, the airport remains a significant historical site with potential for future development as a cargo hub or regional airport.

The airport features a 7,284-foot concrete runway (orientation 17/35) capable of handling various aircraft types, though navigation aids and ground lighting facilities are currently unavailable. Despite its inactive status, the Airports Authority of India maintains ownership, and there have been ongoing discussions about reviving the airport to enhance regional connectivity and support economic development in Jharkhand.

Chakulia Airport's historical significance stems from its crucial role during World War II, when it served as a base for American B-29 Superfortress bombers conducting missions against Japanese forces in Southeast Asia. Today, the airfield stands as a testament to this important military history while holding potential for future aviation development.

WWII Heritage

Built in 1942 as strategic military airfield for Allied forces during World War II.

B-29 Operations

Hosted the 40th Bombardment Group with B-29 Superfortresses conducting bombing missions.

Strategic Location

Located ~200km from Kolkata with potential as alternative to Kolkata airport.

Cargo Potential

Government plans to develop as cargo hub for Calcutta International Airport.

Historical Timeline

1942

Airfield Construction

Chakulia Airfield was built by British contractor Digar Pramotha Nath Mohanty of Das & Mohanty construction company to conduct raids against Japanese forces in Burma and support operations transporting aid to China. The airfield was originally designed for Consolidated B-24 Liberator aircraft and constructed with extensive runway infrastructure spanning 515 acres.

Dec 1942

First USAAF Operations

The United States Army Air Forces Tenth Air Force arrived at Chakulia, with the 341st Bombardment Group's 22nd Bombardment Squadron becoming the first operational unit stationed there on December 30, 1942. Equipped with B-25 Mitchell bombers, the group conducted missions against enemy transportation networks in central Burma, targeting bridges, locomotives, and railroad yards to disrupt Japanese supply lines.

1943

Reconnaissance Missions

The 9th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron, assigned to Tenth Air Force Headquarters, flew F-4/F-5 (P-38 Lightning) photo reconnaissance missions over Burma between November 30, 1942, and January 3, 1943. A detachment of the 118th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron later returned to conduct additional reconnaissance flights over Burma between March and June 1944.

Dec 1943

B-29 Superfortress Preparation

Chakulia was designated as a B-29 Superfortress base for XX Bomber Command operations in India. Advance Army Air Forces echelons arrived to organize upgrades to the facility, with thousands of Indian laborers working to enhance the airfield for Superfortress operations. Chakulia became one of four B-29 bases established by Americans in India.

Apr 1944

40th Bombardment Group Arrival

The 40th Bombardment Group arrived at Chakulia on April 2 after completing B-29 transition training at Pratt Army Air Field in Kansas. The deployment involved a nearly two-week journey from Kansas via the South Atlantic transport route through Florida, Brazil, West Africa, Morocco, and Egypt before arriving in India. The group initially included five squadrons (25th, 29th, 44th, 45th, and 395th) with support elements including bomb maintenance squadrons and photo lab units.

Jun 1944

Combat Operations Begin

The 40th Bomb Group conducted its first combat mission on June 5, 1944, with B-29s attacking the Makasan railroad yards in Bangkok, Thailand, a 2,261-mile round trip representing the longest bombing mission attempted during the war at that time. On June 15, the group participated in the first American air attack on the Japanese Home Islands since the 1942 Doolittle raid.

Aug 1944

Mining Operations & Distinguished Unit Citation

From a staging field in Ceylon, the 40th Bomb Group mined waters near Palembang, Sumatra, in August 1944. The group received a Distinguished Unit Citation for bombing iron and steel works at Yawata, Japan, on August 20, 1944. Throughout this period, B-29s operated from bases in India and staging fields in China, striking targets across Burma, Thailand, China, Japan, Indonesia, and Formosa.

Feb 1945

Relocation to Marianas

The 40th Bombardment Group departed Chakulia on February 25, 1945, flying south to Ceylon then across the Indian Ocean to Perth, Australia, before proceeding north through New Guinea to reach West Field on Tinian in the Mariana Islands on April 4. This move followed the decision by Joint Chiefs of Staff to phase out Operation Matterhorn and relocate B-29 operations to newly captured bases in the Marianas.

1945

Post-War Decommissioning

With the departure of American forces in late 1945, Chakulia Airfield was turned over to British colonial government. The airfield was largely placed in reserve status, with occasional aircraft transiting through the facility. The postwar history remains unclear, but the facility transitioned to civilian use with the large wartime airfield gradually falling into disrepair.

2006

Non-Operational Status Confirmed

By 2006, Chakulia Airport was reported as non-operational since World War II, with no scheduled commercial airline services. The airfield was labeled "not available for operation" by the Airports Authority of India, sharing this status with several other abandoned airstrips across India. The Jharkhand government began showing interest in reviving the historical airstrip for potential development.

Present

Current Status & Future Potential

Chakulia Airport remains non-operational but is maintained by the Airports Authority of India. The facility features a 2,220-meter paved runway but lacks fuel availability and operational navigation aids. There are ongoing discussions about developing the airport as a cargo hub for Calcutta International Airport or potentially reviving it for regional commercial flights. The historical significance of the airfield continues to attract interest from aviation historians and local development advocates.

Historical Significance

World War II Role

Chakulia Airfield played a crucial strategic role in the Asian theater of World War II, serving as one of four B-29 Superfortress bases established by Americans in India. The airport facilitated bombing missions against Japanese targets across Southeast Asia, including the historic first American air attack on the Japanese Home Islands since the Doolittle raid.

The airfield was part of the Operation Matterhorn strategy to establish B-29 bases in China and India for striking Japanese industrial targets. Missions from Chakulia involved extremely long-range operations, including a 2,261-mile round trip to Bangkok—the longest bombing mission yet attempted during the war at that time.

Engineering Achievement

The construction of Chakulia Airfield represented a significant engineering achievement, built originally for Consolidated B-24 Liberator use and later upgraded to handle the massive B-29 Superfortresses. Thousands of Indian laborers worked to upgrade the facility for Superfortress operations, extending runways and constructing support facilities in challenging conditions.

The airfield's infrastructure was notably extensive, featuring two concrete runways (2,085m and 2,221m) and numerous hardstands. The scale of the facility reflected the strategic importance placed on this location by Allied forces, with the airport serving as a critical node in the air campaign against Japanese forces in Southeast Asia.

Military Units Stationed

Several significant military units were based at Chakulia during World War II, including the 341st Bombardment Group (B-25 Mitchells), the 40th Bombardment Group (B-29 Superfortresses), and the 58th Bombardment Wing. The 9th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron also operated from Chakulia, flying F-4/F-5 (P-38) Lightning photo reconnaissance missions over Burma.

Support elements included multiple bomb maintenance squadrons, photo laboratories, and air service groups. At its peak, the base housed hundreds of American personnel and significant aircraft assets, making it a major military installation in the region. The presence of these units contributed to local economic activity and cultural exchange during the war years.

Current Status & Development Plans

Reactivation Efforts

The Jharkhand government has expressed interest in developing Chakulia Airport as an alternative to Kolkata airport, which faces capacity constraints. Many political feagures inspected the facility and declared its condition "good," suggesting the potential for developing an "international standard" airport. The state government has engaged with the Airport Authority of India regarding potential development plans.

Local political leaders, have campaigned for reactivation of the airfield, emphasizing job creation opportunities for local residents. However, challenges remain due to the airport's proximity to the Indian Air Force base at Kalaikunda, which may complicate approval for civil aviation use.

Cargo Hub Plans

Infrastructure Needs

Economic Potential

Current Development Status: The primary proposal involves developing Chakulia as a cargo handling facility for Calcutta International Airport. The existing runway requires repairs and upgrades to meet modern aviation standards, while terminal facilities, navigation aids, and security infrastructure would need complete installation.

Development Requirements

Revitalizing Chakulia Airport for modern aviation requires significant infrastructure investment and regulatory approvals. The runway surface needs inspection and potential reinforcement to handle contemporary aircraft. Navigation aids, lighting systems, and communication equipment would need installation as none are currently available.

Additional requirements include passenger terminal construction, cargo handling facilities, security infrastructure, and fuel storage systems. The airport would also require connection to transportation networks and utilities, as well as staffing and operational systems for day-to-day functioning.

Runway Repair & Reinforcement
Navigation Aids Installation
Terminal Building Construction
Security Infrastructure
Regulatory Approvals

Location & Accessibility

Geographic Position

Chakulia Airport is located southwest of Chakulia town in the Purbi Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, India. The airport lies approximately 17 miles from Jhargram in West Medinipur District and serves the broader region including Jamshedpur and Kharagpur.

The airport's coordinates are 22°28′00.49″N 086°42′38.52″E, placing it near the Jharkhand-West Bengal border. This location offers strategic advantages for regional connectivity while presenting challenges due to its relatively remote location from major urban centers.

Transportation Access

The airport is accessible via road networks connecting to nearby cities and towns. Chakulia railway station on the Howrah-Mumbai line provides rail connectivity, located approximately 5 kilometers from the city center. The proximity to the Howrah–Mumbai railway line offers potential for multimodal transportation connections if the airport is reactivated.

Current road infrastructure requires improvement to support airport operations, particularly if cargo facilities are developed. The Jharkhand government has proposed infrastructure improvements as part of broader regional development plans.

Topographical Features

The airport sits at an elevation of 423-425 feet above mean sea level, characterized by relatively flat terrain suitable for aviation operations. The region features typical Jharkhand topography with surrounding forest areas and agricultural land.

Meteorological conditions include tropical climate with high temperatures that historically challenged aircraft operations B-29s were initially grounded due to engine fires caused by temperatures exceeding 115 degrees Fahrenheit, requiring modifications to engine cowl flaps. These climate considerations would remain relevant for modern aircraft operations.

Nearby Aviation Facilities

Nearest operational airports: Sonari (37nm), Jamshedpur (70km).

Kalaikunda Air Force Station (80km).

Proximity to IAF base may affect civil aviation approval.

Airspace Considerations: Chakulia's proximity to Kalaikunda Air Force Station presents potential challenges for civil aviation operations due to airspace coordination requirements. The nearest commercial airport is Sonari Airport in Jamshedpur, approximately 37 nautical miles away.