Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh Civil Aviation Minister Balo Raja has called on the Centre to enhance air connectivity in the frontier state through new routes, upgraded infrastructure and improved airport security.
His remarks came while addressing the third North-East Aviation Summit and Regional Ministers’ Conference on Civil Aviation in Itanagar on Thursday.
Raja emphasised the need for runway extensions and Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) at Tezu Airport and advanced landing grounds (ALGs) such as Ziro, Aalo, Pasighat, Tuting, Walong, Vijoynagar and Mechuka.
Highlighting their dual role for defence and civilian use, he suggested introducing small aircraft with short take-off and landing (STOL) capabilities that suit the state’s challenging terrain.
On the issue of safety, the minister pressed for the immediate deployment of CISF personnel at Donyi Polo and Tezu airports, which are currently guarded by state police.
“Airport security is highly specialised, and our state police are engaged in other responsibilities,” he said, also proposing the creation of a State Industrial Security Force trained to CISF standards with a dedicated Aviation Security Training Centre at Itanagar.
Raja further urged the introduction of a helicopter-based emergency medical service for the Northeast, with a dedicated ambulance chopper stationed in Guwahati to support remote areas.
Tourism, he said, could see a major boost if chartered helicopters and small flights operate from Donyi Polo Airport directly to destinations like Tawang, Mechuka, Ziro, Namdapha and Parashuram Kund.
“Time saved in travel will make Arunachal’s attractions more accessible and help the sector flourish,” he noted.
He also highlighted the launch of air cargo operations from Itanagar, after Indigo flagged off its first outbound cargo flight to Delhi on August 28.
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The move, he said, would help farmers avoid losses by ensuring faster transport of perishable goods.
Raja expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pema Khandu for enabling the completion of Donyi Polo Airport within three years despite the COVID-19 pandemic, calling it a “dream turned into reality.”
The minister welcomed the upcoming daily non-stop Delhi–Itanagar service beginning September 17 and urged further expansion of connectivity to southern and other major cities, including Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kochi.
