The soon-to-be-inaugurated Donyi Polo Airport in Itanagar today witnessed the successful test landing of an Airbus A320 Flight of Indigo Airlines.
Considering the test landing as a ‘milestone moment’, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu stated that the state administration is undertaking all possible efforts to ensure the ease of transportation in the Land of Dawn-lit Mountains.
According to official sources, “IndiGo Airlines is likely to connect Itanagar with Guwahati and Kolkata, and there is also a possibility of a direct flight between Delhi and Itanagar in the upcoming months.”
Taking to Twitter, the Arunachal Chief Minister – Pema Khandu wrote “Glad to share @IndiGo6E flight made a successful test landing at Donyi Polo airport, Itanagar today. A milestone moment as we’re making every possible effort to ensure ease of travel in our state. Gratitude to all for contributing their bit to improve people’s ease of life!”
Glad to share @IndiGo6E flight made a successful test landing at Donyi Polo airport, Itanagar today.
A milestone moment as we're making every possible effort to ensure ease of travel in our state. Gratitude to all for contributing their bit to improve people's ease of life! pic.twitter.com/NTGjecPpUB
— Pema Khandu པདྨ་མཁའ་འགྲོ་། (@PemaKhanduBJP) October 18, 2022
It is worth noting that the Donyi Polo Airport in Hollongi, 15 km away from Itanagar will include the state capital in the aviation map thereby highlighting the significance of air access with Arunachal Pradesh.
Developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) the much-awaited airport is said to be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 645 crore, under the Central Government’s Capital Connectivity Scheme.
The proposed airport is designed to accommodate A-320 aircraft, with a 500-meter runway expansion, for accommodating A-321 aircraft in the future.
Its terminal structure, which spans 4100 square metres, will be able to accommodate 200 people during peak hours and will include eight check-in counters with all modern passenger amenities.
The plan developed as an energy-efficient structure with a rainwater harvesting system and a long-term landscape plan is a part of the sustainable infrastructure development plan.
Besides, the plan also includes the surrounding landscapes with an organic roof structure that generates an instant connection with the spectator, moving away from the severe geometry of straight lines and angles.
The interior of the structure is meant to give passengers the land’s sense of serenity.
Meanwhile, the ATC Tower, Technical Block, Fire Station, Medical Center, and other auxiliary works are all part of the development project.
The airport is acknowledged as being a crucial effort of PM Modi’s vision to transform Arunachal Pradesh into a significant gateway to Southeast Asia, hence boosting regional economic activity.
