Arunachal Pradesh residents hails state's first greenfield airport at Itanagar

Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Arunachal Pradesh's first greenfield airport in Itanagar.

The Donyi Polo airport is expected boost connectivity in the Northeast.

The name of the airport reflects the traditions and rich cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh and the age-old indigenous reverence to the Sun ('Donyi') and the Moon ('Polo') in the state.

According to an official statement, the terminal at Hollongi has been constructed approximately at a cost of Rs955 crore with an area of 4,100 sq m and has a peak handling capacity of 200 passengers per hour.

The launch event this morning will also witness PM Modi dedicating 600 MW Kameng Hydro Power Station to the nation.

The power station has been developed at a cost of more than Rs 8,450 crore and the project aims to turn Arunachal Pradesh into a power surplus state.

"The airport is beneficial for everyone, especially for ill people. It will also save us time. Our state has developed in all aspects recently. I am thankful to PM Modi," said a local at the inaugural function of Donyi Polo Airport, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh.

Another resident thanked the Pema Khandu-government for the airpor, saying: "I am grateful to the Pema Khandu government for giving local people their own airport. Earlier we had to travel to Guwahati & Kolkata to catch flights now we will have our own airport."

PM Modi inaugurated the airport at Itanagar, and will also dedicate the 600 MW Kameng Hydro Power Station to the nation on Saturday, November 19.

The move is a key step to boost connectivity in the North-East.

The foundation stone for this airport was laid by the PM in 2019. It is expected to play a major role in improving connectivity and will also contribute in the growth of trade and tourism in the region, said Dilip Sajnani, Director, Airport Authority of India.

Arunachal chief minister Pema Khandu had termed the "The Great Hornbill Gate" at the Donyi Polo airport at Hollongi "an architectural marvel".

The Donyi Polo airport will be the third operational airport in Arunachal Pradesh and the first in its capital city Itanagar, taking the total number of airports in the Northeast to 16.

The project is in line with India's commitment to move towards green energy initiatives and will also benefit the National Grid in terms of grid stability and integration.