ITANAGAR, Sept 4: Union minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on Thursday said that civil aviation has been a key sector for the NDA government, with the number of airports, fleet of aircraft and passengers doubling in the last 11 years.
Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a new terminal of the Donyi Polo Airport at Hollongi near here, the Union Civil Aviation Minister lauded Chief Minister Pema Khandu’s efforts in the completion of the project.
“The new terminal building has a pre-covered capacity of 800 passengers, enabling it to handle up to 15 lakh people annually. This is a significant jump from the earlier temporary facility, which could accommodate just 150 passengers,” the minister said.
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“The Centre has laid special focus on improving air connectivity in the Northeast,” he said.
The Donyi Polo Airport, which began operations in 2022, is among several airports in Arunachal Pradesh being developed, along with Pasighat, Tezu, and Ziro.
Daily flight services to Delhi will commence from Donyi Polo Airport from September 17, up from four-days-a-week services at present, he said.
“Daily flight services from Itanagar to other major cities will also commence soon,” Naidu said.
At present, the airport connects Itanagar with Guwahati, Kolkata, and Tezu.
Naidu said discussions were underway to expand regional links, including the development of heliports across the state.
“This is part of the extended UDAN scheme, which has been renewed for another 10 years to improve domestic and regional connectivity by supporting airlines on routes that were previously considered unviable,” he said.
The modified scheme will place special emphasis on the Northeast, hilly states, and aspirational districts, he added.
The minister also launched several passenger-centric initiatives at the airport, including the UDAN Yatri Cafe to provide affordable food and beverages; a library allowing travelers to pick up and drop off books across airports; the AVASAR platform for self-help and women’s groups to sell local products; and a new kids’ store for families travelling through the airport.
“These initiatives are part of a broader plan to enhance the overall passenger experience. The government is looking at providing free Wi-Fi for both domestic and international passengers, as well as installing more charging stations and workstations,” the minister added.
Khandu, state Civil Aviation Minister Balo Raja, Chief Secretary Manish Kumar Gupta, and Airports Authority of India (AAI) chairman Vipin Kumar were present. (PTI)
