Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Sunday inaugurated the newly revamped Tezu airport in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lohit district. On his profile on X (formerly Twitter), Scindia said Tezu Airport is a symbol of the North East on the path of progress and the newly constructed terminal building of the airport is equipped with all modern facilities. The upgraded airport includes two aprons designed for ATR 72 type aircraft, a runway extended to 1500m x 30m, a traveller-friendly terminal, and a Fire Station cum Air Traffic Control Tower with a wide 75m runway strip, reported news agency ANI on X (formerly Twitter). Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu was also present during the inauguration ceremony.
Scindia also said, "Certainly, this terminal building will provide ample facilities to the passengers and will also become the main pillar of a 'new and developed' Arunachal Pradesh."
The Union Minister also said the move will ensure in expansion of connectivity in the northeastern region of India and also boost the local economy. The Tezu Airport was transformed with the implementation of infrastructure worth Rs 170 crore.
The developments include the extension of the runway to 15,00 metres, the construction of a modern apron with the capacity to accommodate two ATR 72 type aircraft, and the establishment of a new terminal building.
Other features of the New Terminal Building include 4,000 square metres, a serving capacity of 300 passengers, 5 check-in counters, 2 arrival Carrousels, and 2 aircraft parking bays among other facilities.
Moreover, the infrastructure upgrades also focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. The Airport also has a double insulated roofing system, energy-efficient HVAC and lighting system, low heat gain glazing, ECBC-compliant equipment, solid waste management system, re-use of treated water for flushing and horticulture reasons and rainwater harvesting systems.
Three New Air Routes In Arunachal Pradesh
Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia also announced that three new air routes will be made operational in Arunachal Pradesh by October this year. He said that under the Centre's UDAN-5 scheme, new flight services will begin between Itanagar and New Delhi from Donyi Polo Airport at Hollongi.
In addition to this, a similar service between Itanagar and Jorhat in Assam and between Ruksin in East Siang district and Itanagar will also be started, reported news agency PTI.
Ude Desh ka Aam Nagarik (UDAAN) is a regional connectivity scheme, which is aimed at developing smaller regional airports to allow common citizens easier access to aviation services. Tezu airport will be the fourth in the state after Donyi Polo, Pasighat and Ziro airports and 17th in the northeast.