Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Donyi Polo Airport at Itanagar in Arunachal Pradesh.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju in his welcome address said, "Opening of this airport will be a significant step towards boosting connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh. The dream of having an airport in the capital city of the state is coming true today."
Chief Minister Khandu said, "Today is a historic day for the entire state. This airport will not enhance the connectivity but will also provide momentum to the economic development of this region."
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Fourth Operational Airport in Arunachal Pradesh
While addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said "The Donyi Polo Airport is becoming a witness to the history and culture of Arunachal Pradesh. This airport will be the fourth operational airport for the state. With the development of the new airport infrastructure, huge opportunities in the field of cargo services will be created."
Air Connectivity for Itanagar
Considering the importance of air connectivity to the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh, a Greenfield airport has been built on 694 acres of land, 25 kilometres from Itanagar. The Hollongi airport, which is capable of accommodating 300 passengers during peak hours, is said to have cost Rs 645 crore to develop. The airport is ideal for the operation of the A-320 class of aircraft due to its 2300 m runway.
Energy efficient Terminal
With the provision of balanced glazing & wall panelling combined with insulated roof, glazing, and wall panels, the airport terminal will be an energy-efficient building. The airport has energy-saving motor/drives for AHUs, AC compressors, conveyors, pumps, etc., as well as LED lighting throughout. Use of treated water for horticulture is permitted by the sewage treatment plant.
A 150 KWp solar power plant is now being built as part of ongoing efforts to utilize renewable energy in the future.
The state capital of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar, is home to a diverse collection of built-up resources, institutions with significant socio-cultural relevance, and archaeological sites with significant historical worth.
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Catalyst for Growth
Due to its location on the border of Assam State and South-Western Arunachal Pradesh, Donyi Polo Airport, Itanagar will serve a large portion of both Assam's northern and southern regions.
The town is a mini insight to the rich culture and customs of Arunachal Pradesh, along with breathtaking landscapes and adventurous opportunities. There isn't an airport close to Itanagar; the nearest one is Lilabari Airport, which is located 80 kilometers away in the state of Assam and can be reached by car in about three hours. The state now operates three airports at Tezu, Passighat, and Zero.
The airport will serve as a catalyst for the expansion of trade and tourism in the area and give local products, such as the famous orchids of Arunachal Pradesh, the chance to travel anywhere in India in a matter of hours.
Significant Gateway to SouthEast Asia
Arunachal Pradesh's Kurung Kumey, Assam's Biswanath, and Arunachal Pradesh's Kra Daadi, East Kameng, Pakke Kessang, and Kamle districts would all have populations of above 20 lakh people served by the airport.
By building up modern infrastructure throughout the state, PM Modi hopes to turn Arunachal Pradesh into a significant gateway to SouthEast Asia.
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Hub for Aviation connectivity
The rural town desperately needs an airport to link with the capital city, which will help spur the local economy.
The expansion of the Donyi Polo Airport in Itanagar will increase accessibility to the capital of Arunachal Pradesh and offer seamless connectivity to other regions of India.
The airport will also serve as a focal point for the state's aviation network, linking even the most isolated regions. It will be crucial in helping to speed up the delivery of relief to impacted communities in the event of natural disasters.
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