Unlocking Arunachal’s Aerial Outlook: Fast-Tracking Airport Upgrades and Expanding Flight Routes with Union Minister Talks
Arunachal Pradesh Ministers Meet Union Colleagues to Discuss Aviation, Urban, and Tourism Development
A high-level meeting between Arunachal Pradesh’s Minister for Civil Aviation, Urban Affairs, and Land Management, Balo Raja, and Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu took place in New Delhi to address pressing aviation-related concerns in the state. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
The key agenda focused on improving air connectivity, expediting infrastructure development at airports, and ensuring better aviation services across Arunachal Pradesh. Raja was accompanied by Kaling Moyong, President of the Arunachal BJP, and Rajesh Kamalan, Officer on Special Duty to the Minister.
Air Connectivity and Infrastructure Development
Raja expressed concern over the delay in completing the permanent terminal building at Donyi Polo Airport, Hollongi (Itanagar), and urged for its early completion. Naidu assured that the new terminal would be ready by June 2025. The Minister also requested daily flights between Itanagar and Delhi, immediate connectivity between Kolkata/New Delhi and other cities, and extensions to southern states via Guwahati. Naidu agreed to introduce these flight services alongside the inauguration of the new terminal building and addressed the issue of high airfare, informing that Union Minister Kiren Rijiju had already raised the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Airport Upgrades and Security Measures
Raja also pushed for the inclusion of an aero-bridge in the airport’s Master Plan up to 2047 and the installation of Instrument Landing System (ILS) at Tezu Airport, which would improve reliability and reduce flight cancellations. Naidu directed AAI’s Planning Member to ensure these upgrades. Furthermore, Raja emphasized the need for Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) deployment and the early construction of bachelor barracks for security forces, to which Naidu responded positively.
New Airports, ALGs, and Heliports
The Minister requested the final feasibility studies for proposed Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) at Richi (Daporijo) and Tarmoba (Kombo, Aalo) and the reactivation of old ALGs at Anini (Alinye) and Dirang (Zimthung). He also sought funding and approvals for heliports at Koloriang, Anini, Tawang, Deomali, Seppa, and Nacho to enhance helicopter connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh. Naidu assured that these initiatives would be pursued under a new government initiative to develop heliports in all district headquarters and other strategic locations.
Northeast Aviation Summit and Urban Development
The Union Aviation Minister informed Raja that the 3rd Northeast Aviation Summit, in collaboration with FICCI, would take place on September 5, 2025, in Itanagar, aiming to enhance air connectivity, develop small airstrips and heliports, and promote sustainable development through aviation. Raja assured full logistical support from the state government.
In a separate meeting, Raja and Soyong led a delegation to discuss urban development with Union Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, focusing on the early approval of the Guminnagar Development Project. Khattar assured that the project would be taken up on priority. Additionally, Raja met Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, to discuss plans to develop Mechukha as an ‘Adventure Tourism Hub’ and Tawang as a major national tourism hub.
The meetings concluded with assurances from the Union Ministers to accelerate Arunachal Pradesh’s aviation, urban, and tourism infrastructure development.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/arunachal-pradesh/story/arunachal-seeks-faster-airport-upgrades-new-flight-routes-in-talks-with-union-minister-1188560-2025-03-24?utm_source=rssfeed
Category :
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-03-24 21:27:00
