Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Arunachal Pradesh’s first ever greenfield airport, dedicating the project to the nation. The Donyi Polo airport is located at Hollongi – around 15 kilometres from the state capital – and will link the border state with the rest of India via commercial commercial flights as well as other parts of Arunachal Pradesh through helicopter services.
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.
Low-cost carrier Indigo Airlines had on October 18 successfully test-landed its aircraft at the newly constructed airport.
What is a greenfield airport?
A greenfield airport is one that has been constructed underdeveloped land, without any constraints imposed by prior work or existing infrastructure. Earlier in October this year, reports indicated that the Indian adminitration would establish 21 greenfield airports in the next few years. This includes a second such airport in the northeastern state – in Hollongi.
How will it benefit the region?
The airport, which has been developed in an area of over 690 acres, at the cost of more than Rs 640 crore is expected to play a major role in improving connectivity and will also contribute to the growth of trade and tourism in the region Authorities estimate that it will service some 20 lakh people in the region – boosting connectivity, trade and tourism.
Details about the airport
The airport has a 2300 m runway and is well suited for all weather day operations. The airport terminal promotes energy efficiency, renewable energy and the recycling of resources. 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.
