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BJP Government's Aviation Milestone: "75 New Airports in Nine Years - Transforming India's Aerial Landscape
Itanagar, September 24, 2023: Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia unveiled exciting news for Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday, announcing the launch of three new air routes set to be operational by October this year. This development came after the inauguration of the newly-enhanced infrastructure at the Tezu Airport in Lohit district.
Under the ambitious UDAN-5 scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagarik), aimed at improving regional connectivity by developing smaller regional airports, Itanagar will soon be linked to Rupsi, Jorhat, and the national capital, Delhi.
The Tezu Airport now stands as the fourth operational airport in the state, following Donyi Polo, Pasighat, and Ziro airports, and marks the 17th in the Northeast region.
Minister Scindia expressed the significance of this milestone, highlighting that in the past 65 years, India had a total of just 74 airports. However, within the last nine years, under the leadership of the BJP government at the Centre, the country has witnessed the construction of 75 new airports. This remarkable achievement, he said, is attributed to the collaborative efforts of Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who have been driving Arunachal Pradesh to new heights.
He noted that the eight northeastern states, which had been overlooked for decades, experienced significant development after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed power in 2014. Scindia referred to the region as a "jewel in the country's crown."
Moreover, Scindia emphasized the potential of the Northeast region as a gateway for India to Southeast Asian countries, owing to its rich horticultural and agricultural resources. He underscored that under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, India's influence has surged, as evidenced by the participation of presidents and prime ministers from various countries in the G20 meeting held in New Delhi.
Reflecting on his personal connection with Arunachal Pradesh, Minister Scindia shared an anecdote from the 1960s when the Indian government granted his grandmother's brother-in-law the opportunity to name a bordering village. This village, now famously known as Vijaynagar, holds a special place in his heart.
The newly-developed infrastructure at the Tezu Airport includes an extended runway, a modern apron, a state-of-the-art terminal building, a fire station, and an air traffic control (ATC) tower. These enhancements, amounting to a total cost of Rs 170 crore, are expected to significantly bolster the airport's capabilities.
Spread over 212 acres of land, the Tezu Airport is equipped to handle ATR-72-type aircraft operations. The Airports Authority of India spearheaded the airport's upgrade.
Since its operationalization in 2018 under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme, the Tezu Airport has been providing regular scheduled flights connecting it to Dibrugarh, Imphal, and Guwahati, courtesy of Alliance Air and Flybig Airlines.
The newly expanded terminal boasts an impressive area of 4,000 square meters, accommodating a peak-hour capacity of 300 passengers. Currently equipped with five check-in counters, the terminal will see this number increased to eight in the near future.
In addition to the terminal, the airport features two arrival carousels and two aircraft parking bays specifically designed for ATR-72-type aircraft. These upgrades are expected to enhance the airport's capacity to handle increased traffic, improve connectivity within the northeastern region, stimulate tourism and trade, and contribute to employment generation.
The announcement of these new air routes and the Tezu Airport's upgraded infrastructure signals a promising era for Arunachal Pradesh, further integrating the state into the national and international travel network. With increased accessibility and improved facilities, Arunachal Pradesh is poised to become a prime destination for travelers seeking to explore its unique beauty and culture.