Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh): Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first Greenfield airport in Arunachal Pradesh the Donyi Polo Airport at Itanagar.
The move is a key step to boost connectivity in the North-East.
"It was our dream to have an airport in our state's capital, today that dream has come true with the efforts of PM Modi. He gave special directions for building this airport," said Union Minister Kiren Rijiju at the inaugural function of Donyi Polo Airport, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh.
The name of the airport reflects the traditions and rich cultural heritage of Arunachal Pradesh and the age-old indigenous reverence to the Sun ('Donyi') and the Moon ('Polo') in the state.
The foundation stone for this airport was laid by the PM in 2019
The airport, which has been developed in an area of over 690 acres, at a cost of more than Rs 640 crore is expected to play a major role in improving connectivity and will also contribute in the growth of trade and tourism in the region, said Dilip Sajnani, Director, Airport Authority of India.
The airport has a 2300 m runway and is well suited for all weather day operations. The airport terminal is a modern building, which promotes energy efficiency, renewable energy and recycling of resources.
Constructed at a cost of Rs 955 crore
According to an official statement, the terminal at Hollongi has been constructed approximately at a cost of Rs 955 crore with an area of 4100 sq m and has a peak handling capacity of 200 passengers per hour.
PM Modi had in a tweet yesterday said "Commerce and connectivity will gain immensely from this project." Arunachal chief minister Pema Khandu had termed the "The Great Hornbill Gate" at the Donyi Polo airport at Hollongi "an architectural marvel".
The Great Horbill Gate an architectural marvel
In a tweet, on November 16 he said, "The Great Hornbill Gate, which welcomes you to iconic Donyi Polo airport, is an architectural marvel. Made of bamboo and cane, it's been designed by promising Arunachali architect Aroty Panyang from East Siang district. Glad to have inaugurated the gate today." The Donyi Polo airport will be the third operational airport in Arunachal Pradesh and the first in its capital city Itanagar, taking the total number of airports in the Northeast to 16.
Arunachal Pradesh currently has two airports, one at Pasighat and the other at Tezu.
PM Modi will dedicate 600 MW Kameng Hydro Power Station to nation
Meanwhile, the launch event this morning will also witness PM Modi dedicating 600 MW Kameng Hydro Power Station to the nation.
The power station has been developed at a cost of more than Rs 8,450 crore and the project aims to turn Arunachal Pradesh into a power surplus state.
The project is in line with India's commitment to move towards green energy initiatives and will also benefit the National Grid in terms of grid stability and integration.
PM will also inaugurate Kashi Tamil Sangamam
Later today, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate the 'Kashi Tamil Sangamam' - a month-long programme being organised in Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
Reflecting the significance of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat', the event aims to celebrate, reaffirm and rediscover the age-old links between Kashi and Tamil Nadu - two of the country's most significant ancient origins for learning.
The programme will offer an opportunity to scholars, philosophers, artists, researchers, students, traders, artisans, etc. from the two states to collaborate, share expertise, culture, ideas, best practices and knowledge and learn from each others' experience.
More than 2500 delegates from Tamil Nadu will be arriving in Varanasi to participate in seminars, site visits, etc to interact with local people of similar trade, profession and interest.
A month-long exhibition of handlooms, handicrafts, ODOP (One district, one product) products, books, documentaries, cuisine, art forms, history, tourist places etc of the two regions will also be put up in Kashi.
