Arunachal Pradesh, India accelerates growth with key commitments from Union Ministers for infrastructure upgrades, improved air connectivity, and tourism development.

Balo Raja, Arunachal Pradesh’s Minister for Civil Aviation, Urban Affairs, and Land Management, met Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu in New Delhi to address key aviation concerns in the state. The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Secretaries, Additional Secretaries, and Joint Secretaries from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), as well as the Member (Planning) from the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

Raja was joined by Kaling Moyong, President of the Arunachal BJP, and Rajesh Kamalan, the Minister’s Officer on Special Duty (OSD).The central focus of the discussions was on improving air connectivity, fast-tracking airport infrastructure development, and ensuring enhanced aviation services across Arunachal Pradesh.

Key Discussions and Assurances

Donyi Polo Airport, Hollongi (Itanagar): Finalizing the Construction of the Permanent Terminal Building
Raja expressed gratitude for the operationalization of the Donyi Polo Airport but raised concerns about delays in the permanent terminal building’s completion. He urged for its early readiness, and MoCA assured that the terminal would be completed by June 2025.

New Flight Routes & Fare Regulation:
Raja requested daily flights between Itanagar and Delhi, along with immediate connectivity to other cities like Kolkata/New Delhi and southern states via Guwahati. Naidu confirmed these services would be introduced alongside the new terminal building’s inauguration. Regarding high airfare issues, Naidu mentioned that Union Minister Kiren Rijiju had raised the matter with Prime Minister Modi, and discussions were underway.

Provision of Aero-Bridge:
Raja emphasized the need for an aero-bridge in the airport’s Master Plan up to 2047. Naidu instructed AAI’s Planning Member to ensure its inclusion in the development plans.

Deployment of CISF & Accommodation for Security Personnel:
Raja discussed the need for the deployment of CISF personnel and proper accommodation arrangements for security staff at airports. This issue was also acknowledged for further review.

Tezu Airport:

Installation of Instrument Landing System (ILS):
Raja highlighted that Tezu Airport currently operates under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), resulting in frequent flight cancellations. He requested the urgent installation of an ILS to improve reliability, which Naidu agreed to expedite.

Runway Extension for Larger Aircraft:
Raja requested extending the runway to accommodate larger aircraft such as the Airbus A320. Naidu acknowledged the importance of this request and promised action to facilitate it.

Waiver of Fire & Security Equipment Rental Charges:
Raja brought up the issue of Arunachal Pradesh providing state police and fire personnel for airport operations under the UDAN scheme but struggling to bear the rental charges imposed by AAI. He urged for a waiver, citing financial constraints. Naidu assured the matter would be reviewed.

New Airports, ALGs, and Heliports:

Construction of New Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs):
Raja requested the final feasibility studies for proposed ALGs at Richi (Daporijo) and Tarmoba (Kombo, Aalo), following earlier MoCA inspections. Naidu directed AAI to proceed with evaluations.

Reactivation of Old ALGs:
Raja sought the reactivation of the old ALG at Anini (Alinye) and the construction of a new ALG at Dirang (Zimthung). He urged MoCA to collaborate with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to expedite development, and Naidu expressed a positive response.

Development of Heliports Under UDAN 5.2:
Raja requested approval and funding for heliports at Koloriang, Anini, Tawang, Deomali, Seppa, and Nacho to improve helicopter connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh. Naidu assured that under a new Government of India initiative, heliports would be developed at all district headquarters and other strategic locations.

Upcoming Northeast Aviation Summit in Arunachal Pradesh

Naidu informed Raja about the 3rd Northeast Aviation Summit, which is set to take place in Itanagar on September 5, 2025, in collaboration with FICCI. The summit aims to enhance air connectivity, improve small airstrips and heliports, and promote sustainable development through aviation. Raja assured full support from the state government for the event.

Conversations on Urban Growth with Union Minister Khattar

Later, Raja and Moyong led a delegation from the Pasighat Municipal Council to meet Union Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, requesting the early approval of the Guminnagar Development Project under the XV Finance Commission Grants. Khattar assured the project would be prioritized.

Tourism and Adventure Development Initiatives with Union Minister Shekhawat

Raja also met with Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, in the presence of Kiren Rijiju. Shekhawat unveiled plans to transform Mechukha into a prominent “Adventure Tourism Hub” and position Tawang as a key national tourism destination.

The meetings concluded with reassurances from the Union Ministers to accelerate Arunachal Pradesh’s development in aviation, urban infrastructure, and tourism.

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