Arunachal's Hollongi airport to have better facilities than Pakyong: Minister
The proposed greenfield airport at Hollongi in Arunachal Pradesh, when completed, would have better facilities than the recently inaugurated Pakyong Airport in Sikkim. The benefits to come would be beyond one's imagination, the Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said while addressing the valedictory function of the 3-day ATAL (Arunachal Transformational and Aspirational Leaders) Conclave in Itanagar yesterday.
Proposed airport has better topography and larger runway, says Sinha
Citing the advantages of the proposed airport at Hollongi, Sinha said, it has better topography and a larger runway. "The proposed 2,200 meter runway at the greenfield airport can handle jet aircraft that can provide direct flight service to metro cities," he said. Sinha added that on demand, flight services can also be extended to international destinations.
Nearly Rs. 1,200 crore to be spent for the project
A greenfield airport is an aviation facility that is planned, commissioned and built from scratch without destroying an existing structure. About Rs. 1,200 crore would be spent for the project, the 'bhoomi pujan' of which will be held in December.
Entire Arunachal to be linked with aviation services in 10yrs
Asked about air connectivity plans in Arunachal Pradesh, Sinha said the entire state would be linked with aviation services in the next ten years. He said under UDAAN Scheme, small and big towns in Arunachal would be connected with helicopter, seaplanes, and passenger drone services. He also informed that government is providing subsidy on helicopter services with Rs. 2,500 for half an hour air-travel.
DoNER Ministry to spend Rs. 350cr for airport's initial phase
Under Chief Minister's Air Connectivity Scheme, all Advanced Landing Ground in the state will be made operational for air services connecting it with Itanagar, Tezu and Pasighat airport. CM Pema Khandu said tender for operating of services in Arunachal has been completed and will be finalized soon. The DoNER Ministry would spend about Rs. 350cr for the initial phase of work at the airport.
