Dispute over Hollongi Airport Name Resolved, PM Modi to Inaugurate Airport on Nov 19: CM Pema Khandu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi would inaugurate the Donyi Polo airport in Hollongi on November 19

Reported by Marina Dai

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh to inaugurate the Donyi Polo airport in Hollongi on November 19, Chief Minister Pema Khandu said on Wednesday (Nov 16) that the dispute over the name of the new airport has been resolved.

“The matter is resolved now. Local MLA Tana Hali (of Doimuk constituency) had brought the matter before the Cabinet and the Cabinet had discussed it. The issue was discussed in the (state) Assembly too and all members were of the opinion that the airport must be known as Itanagar airport as it near the capital city,” CM Khandu told reporters today after inaugurating the approach to the airport and the Hornbill Gate made of traditional bamboo.

Citing the example of the Delhi airport, the CM said that though the Delhi airport is situated at Palam, the airport is not named as Palam airport but it is better known as the Delhi airport.

The Hollongi Indigenous People’s Forum had previously demanded that the word Hollongi be included in the name of the airport.

Also Read : Union Cabinet approves naming New Arunachal Pradesh airport as ‘Donyi Polo Airport’

The CM also said that elaborate arrangements have been made for the inauguration of the airport on November 19 by PM Modi. “People are excited and they would want to witness this historic moment. So arrangements have been made to accommodate at least 10,000 people at the event venue. Arrangements have also been made to telecast the event live across the state,” CM Khandu said.

He said that improving all forms of connectivity – road and air included, was a top priority for him after he took over as the CM of Arunachal Pradesh. “My focus was to improve the road and air connectivity. I always wanted the people to have a big and good airport,” the CM said.

PM Modi had laid the foundation of the greenfield airport in 2019. The airport has been built at an estimated cost of Rs 645 crore with a capacity to accommodate 200 passengers during peak hours. The new airport, spanning an area of 4,100 sq m, is equipped with all modern facilities. This airport will be Arunachal Pradesh’s first airport with a runway of 2,300 metres, suitable for the landing and take-off of Boeing 747, one of the largest passenger aircraft.

The airport is part of the Centre’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) – UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) programme launched in October, 2016 to stimulate regional air connectivity and making air travel affordable for the masses.

Copy Edited by Bhargobi Khaund

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