One evening, while exploring Google Earth, I spotted an unusual feature near Bankura, West Bengal: a large airstrip in the middle of a dense forest. I was surprised, knowing this place was just a couple of hours from home. My curiosity led me to dig deeper into its history, and soon I was uncovering a little-known story from World War II about American bombers, local workers, and a military airfield.
The Story of Piardoba Airfield
During World War II, the U.S. Air Force needed a base in Asia that was close enough to Japan for bombing missions but still beyond the range of Japanese fighter planes. The location they chose was Piardoba in Bankura district, West Bengal. Remote and relatively safe, this spot became a launching pad for the Allies in the Pacific.
Piardoba was home to the B-29 bombers, some of the largest and most advanced aircraft of the time, with a wingspan of 141 feet and a bomb-carrying capacity of up to 20,000 pounds. But the area wasn’t easy to develop. Thick forest and rugged terrain made the construction process challenging. The U.S. military used local laborers, who worked alongside soldiers, and even used elephants to clear the land. By the end of 1944, the airfield was complete, and the B-29s began using it to carry out bombing missions that played a significant role in the war’s outcome.
After the war, Piardoba airfield briefly served civilian purposes but was eventually abandoned. Today, only the old runway remains, mostly hidden under overgrowth, with nature slowly reclaiming the area.
Visiting Piardoba Airfield
After learning the history of Piardoba, I felt compelled to visit. Navigating to the place is difficult as there is no GPS, and it is situating deep inside the forest. From the State highway 2, near Bishnupur, a dirt road (red soil) leads to the airfield. The drive there was rough with potholes across that entire stretch, with the forest closing in on either side. After reaching the airfield, the long, cracked runway stretched out before me, overgrown with wild plants and surrounded by trees. There was hardly anything left to suggest the airfield’s past activity, but the length of the runway was impressive.
Driving along the runway gave me a sense of its scale. I could picture how massive bombers would have lined up here, ready for missions. The area was calm, with only the sounds of birds and the rustling of leaves, a stark contrast to what this place must have been like decades ago. Locals farmers now make good use of this concrete surface for handling and drying crops and tourists who know about this place come for picnics and photography.
Talking with a Local
Wanting to know more about the place, I looked around for anyone who might remember the airfield’s story. After a while, I met an elderly man sitting under a tree nearby. When I asked him about the airfield, he shared stories passed down in the community. He told me about how the Americans built the airfield during the war, with local people helping out and elephants used to clear the dense forest.
He also mentioned that, over time, the surrounding forest had attracted nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and hikers. He pointed out that, while the airfield’s history had faded, the forest was now home to rare birds and plants, drawing people who wanted to explore the area’s natural beauty.
Visitor’s Tip
If you’re interested in visiting Piardoba, I’d recommend going in the early morning. The softer light is perfect for photography, especially if you want to capture the contrast between the rugged runway and the surrounding greenery. Wear sturdy shoes, as the ground can be uneven, and bring water and some snacks, as there aren’t any facilities nearby. The area is also great for birdwatching, so binoculars could come in handy if you’re interested in spotting local wildlife.
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