New Delhi, Mar 24: Arunachal Pradesh’s Minister for Civil Aviation, Urban Affairs & Land Management, Balo Raja, called on  Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu in New Delhi on Monday and discussed pressing issues related to the state’s aviation sector.
During the discussion, Raja highlighted concerns regarding the delayed completion of the permanent terminal building, which has resulted in continued operations from a temporary structure. He requested the Union Minister’s intervention to ensure its early completion. In response, Naidu assured that the new terminal building would be completed by June this year and become operational immediately.
Raja also raised the need for increased flight connectivity, particularly daily flights between Itanagar and Delhi, along with morning and evening schedules. He requested additional connecting flights from Kolkata and Delhi to other cities, as well as extended flight services to the southern regions of the country via Guwahati. Naidu assured that these new flight services would be introduced in tandem with the inauguration of the new terminal building. Addressing concerns over abnormally high airfares, the Union Minister revealed that the matter had already been raised by Minister Kiren Rijiju during a recent Cabinet meeting, seeking the Prime Minister’s intervention. The issue is currently under review.
Another significant concern discussed was the inclusion of an aerobridge in the new terminal building. Raja informed Naidu that the AAI has been requested to incorporate this provision into the Arunachal Pradesh Master Plan up to 2047. In response, Naidu directed AAI officials to ensure its inclusion. Additionally, Raja emphasized the urgent need for the deployment of CISF personnel at Donyi Polo Airport, highlighting that state police officers are currently handling security due to the absence of CISF deployment. He requested the early construction of bachelor barracks for security personnel, as the current lack of accommodation is causing logistical challenges. The Union Minister instructed AAI to expedite the construction process and address the security deployment issue.
Minister Raja also highlighted operational challenges due to the airport’s reliance on Visual Flight Rules (VFR)in  Tezu Airport.He emphasized the need for an Instrument Landing System (ILS) to improve reliability, as frequent flight cancellations due to poor visibility have been disrupting air services for the entire eastern region of Arunachal Pradesh. Additionally, he proposed the extension of the runway to accommodate larger aircraft, such as Airbus A320, to enhance connectivity. The Union Minister agreed to consider these demands and assured necessary action.
He also expressed concern over  the rental charges imposed by AAI on fire and security equipment at Tezu Airport. Raja explained that while the state government has been providing security and fire personnel under the RCS-UDAN scheme since July 2022, it lacks the financial capacity to pay the rental fees imposed by AAI for using existing equipment. He requested that state personnel be allowed to utilize these resources free of cost, and Naidu responded positively to the request.
Raja also emphasized development of new airports and Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) in Arunachal Pradesh. Raja pushed for the early feasibility studies and development of ALGs at Richi (Daporijo) and Tarmoba (Aalo). He noted that previous Inter-Ministerial inspections in 2020 and 2021 had indicated prima facie feasibility for unidirectional VFR operations at these locations, but further Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) surveys are required.
Additionally, Raja called for the development of new heliports under RCS-UDAN 5.2, specifically at Koloriang, Anini, Tawang, Deomali, Seppa, and Nacho, to improve helicopter connectivity across Arunachal Pradesh. In response, Naidu assured that under the Government of India’s new initiative, heliports will be developed in all district headquarters and major administrative centers in the Northeast. He urged the state government to submit a comprehensive proposal, to which Raja handed over two official letters detailing these requests.
Naidu directed the AAI to expedite these surveys and move forward with the proposals.the need to develop an ALG at Dirang (Zimthung) and reactivate the old ALG at Anini (Alinye).
Meanwhile, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu informed Arunachal Pradesh’s Civil Aviation Minister Balo Raja that Itanagar will host the 3rd North East Aviation Summit on September 5, 2025, in collaboration with FICCI. Emphasizing Arunachal’s tourism potential, Naidu highlighted that the summit would focus on enhancing air connectivity through small airstrips and heliports, boosting sustainable development, healthcare, education, and emergency services. Raja assured full logistical support for the successful organization of the event.
Earlier in the day, Raja and State BJP President Kaling Moyong led a delegation, including Pasighat Municipal Council members, to meet Union Urban Affairs Minister Manoharlal Khattar, seeking early approval for Gumin Nagar’s development under the XVth Finance Commission Grants. Khattar assured priority consideration and support for modernizing Arunachal’s cities.
Additionally, Raja and Moyong met Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and Minister Kiren Rijiju, where Shekhawat revealed plans to develop Mechukha as an adventure tourism hub and Tawang as a premier national tourism destination.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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