PM Inaugurates Donyi-Polo Airport – Arunachal’s First Greenfield Facility; Dedicates Kameng Hydropower Project To Nation 

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Posted in Arunachal Pradesh, Featured, Northeast
NET Web Desk

Prime Minister – Narendra Modi on Saturday, inaugurated the newly-constructed Donyi-Polo Airport, the first greenfield facility of Arunachal Pradesh. The facility’s foundation stone was laid by Modi on February 2019.

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. It reflects the people’s reverence of the Sun (Donyi) and the Moon (Polo), and symbolizes the rich cultural heritage of the State.

Taking to Twitter, the Arunachal Chief Minister – Pema Khandu wrote “A delight and honour to welcome Hon PM Shri @narendramodi Ji – architect of a thriving, rising New India and the most valued global leader – to the ‘Land of Rising Sun’. Sir, we are blessed to have you with us. We heartily welcome you and always seek your guidance. We were eagerly waiting for this day when we shall have the privilege to be part of the historic occasion of inauguration of #DonyiPoloAirport by you. The Airport is an icon of prosperity of North East, & you had only laid its foundation, Hon PM Shri @narendramodi Ji.

“It is also so gratifying that due to your visionary push to progress of the North East, Arunachal today is blessed to have the largest hydro power project of NE at Kameng. Grateful that you have dedicated 600MW kameng project to the nation, Hon Prime Minister. Gratitude to Hon Gov Shri @BrigMishra Ji; Hon Union Min Shri @KirenRijiju Ji; Hon Dy CM Shri @ChownaMeinBJP Ji, @sambitswaraj Ji, @DilipSaikia4Bjp Ji & my colleagues for their gracious presence.” – he further added.

Developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) at an estimated cost of Rs 646 crores under the Capital Connectivity Scheme of the Union Government, this airport aims to accommodate A-321 aircraft in the future.

Its terminal structure, which spans 4100 square meters, will accommodate 200 people during peak hours. The plan was 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 severe geometry of straight lines and angles. The structure’s interior will give passengers the sense of serenity of Arunachal Pradesh.

It is worth noting that the development of this new Airport in Itanagar will not only improve connectivity in the region, but will also act as a catalyst for the growth of trade and tourism, thus providing a boost to the economic development of the region.

“Airports in five northeastern states, namely, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland have seen flights take off for the first time in 75 years. Besides, aircraft movement in the North-East has also witnessed an increase of 113% since 2014, from 852 per week in 2014 to 1817 per week in 2022,” – informed an official statement.

600 MW Kameng Hydro Power Station :

In the meantime, PM Modi also dedicated the 600 MW Kameng hydropower project, spread over more than 80 kilometres in West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh.

Developed at a cost of more than Rs. 8450 crores, this project will transform Arunachal Pradesh into a power surplus state, also benefiting the National Grid in terms of grid stability and integration. It will significantly contribute toward the fulfilment of the country’s commitment to increase the adoption of green energy.

Addressing the occasion, PM Modi remarked “We are working on mission mode to carry the development forward to every house and village in the state.”

He also highlighted the government’s unwavering efforts to develop all the border villages under the ‘Vibrant Border Village Programme’ (VBVP) which will boost tourism and reduce migration in the region.

Citing that a special programme is being carried out in the state to connect the youth of the nation with NCC, PM Modi noted that the effort will instill a feeling to serve the nation apart from providing defence training to the youth.

“The double engine government of the state coupled with Sabka Prayas is committed to the development of Arunachal Pradesh,” – concluded the PM.

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