Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Arunachal Pradesh’s first greenfield airport in Itanagar. The Prime Minister had laid the groundwork for this airport in 2019.
The Donyi Polo airport will improve Northeast connectivity. The airport’s name reflects Arunachal Pradesh’s traditions and rich cultural heritage, as well as the state’s age-old indigenous reverence for the Sun (‘Donyi’) and the Moon (‘Polo’).
Connectivity factor:
According to Dilip Sajnani, Director, Airport Authority of India, the airport, which has been developed on an area of over 690 acres at a cost of more than Rs 640 crore, will play a significant role in improving connectivity and will also contribute to the growth of trade and tourism in the region.
The airport has a 2300-meter runway and is suitable for all-weather operations. The airport terminal is a modern structure that promotes energy efficiency, renewable energy, and resource recycling.
According to an official statement, the terminal at Hollongi was built at a cost of approximately Rs 955 crore and has a peak handling capacity of 200 passengers per hour.
In a tweet yesterday, Prime Minister Modi stated, “Commerce and connectivity will benefit enormously from this project.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Arunachal Pradesh's first greenfield airport, Donyi Polo Airport, in Itanagar.
(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/JN75hcpCpa
— ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2022
Pema Khandu, the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, described “The Great Hornbill Gate” at the Donyi Polo airport in Hollongi as a “architectural marvel.”
On November 16, he said in a tweet, “The Great Hornbill Gate, which welcomes you to the iconic Donyi Polo airport, is a work of art. It was designed by promising Arunachali architect Aroty Panyang from the East Siang district and is made of bamboo and cane. I’m delighted to have opened the gate today.”
Donyi Polo airport, green energy initiatives
The Donyi Polo airport will be Arunachal Pradesh’s third operational airport and the first in its capital city of Itanagar, bringing the total number of airports in the Northeast to 16.
There are currently two airports in Arunachal Pradesh, one in Pasighat and one in Tezu.
Meanwhile, PM Modi will dedicate the 600 MW Kameng Hydro Power Station to the nation at the launch event this morning.
The power station was built at a cost of more than Rs 8,450 crore, with the goal of making Arunachal Pradesh a power surplus state.
The project is consistent with India’s commitment to green energy initiatives.
