One evening, while exploring Google Earth, I spotted an unexpected feature near Bankura, West Bengal: a large airstrip in the middle of 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 an airfield lost to time.

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 critical 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 their day, 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 employed 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. The drive there was rough, with the forest closing in on either side of the road. As I arrived at 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.

Talking with a Local

Wanting to know more about Piardoba’s history, 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.

Walking the Runway

I spent some time walking along the old runway, which was cracked and covered in patches of wild grass and flowers. It was hard to believe this quiet place was once a busy military base. Birds flitted about, and the forest around the airstrip made it feel secluded and peaceful.

There was a simplicity to it, with nature gradually taking over what was once a hub of activity. It was easy to forget that this area had once been part of a global conflict. Now, it’s just a quiet, remote part of the forest.

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.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Piardoba wasn’t just about seeing an old airstrip—it was a reminder of how much history can fade with time. A place once full of movement and noise is now quiet, blending into the forest. It’s easy to overlook these kinds of places, but they hold stories worth remembering. If you ever come across something unexpected on Google Earth or in person, take the time to check it out. You never know what history might be waiting to be discovered.