The Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel – Jyotiraditya M Scindia, along with the Minister of State (MoS) for Civil Aviation and Road Transport and Highways – General (Dr) V. K. Singh (Retd.) inaugurated multiple flights to further expand the connectivity to northeastern regions.
Besides, the enhanced connectivity will bolster tourism and trade across the region and contribute to the economic development of the states.
The new route will enhance the connectivity with the two major metropolitan cities, in order to expand its wings in northeastern region.
These include – from Mumbai to Itanagar via Kolkata launched on November 28 (operated by IndiGo) and vice-versa; Dibrugarh-Itanagar-Ziro launched on November 29 (operated by Alliance Air); Dibrugarh-Itanagar-Pasighat to be launched from today, i.e., November 30 (operated by Alliance Air).
During the inaugural address, Scindia noted that previous administration gave hopes, but failed to implement the concerned schemes.
In the last eight years, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Modi government has given unprecedented priority to the northeastern states.
“It is the vision of the PM to provide air connectivity to each corner of the country and we are working in collaboration with each state to materialize it. Not only the major cities but the advanced landing grounds in the remote areas of tier 2 and tier 3 cities will also be connected,” he mentioned.
On the other hand, Scindia lauded the state administration for reducing the Value Added Tax (VAT) on Aviation Turbine Fuel (AVT) and remarked that it has resulted in a rapid increase in air connectivity.
He assured that “not only in the major cities but advanced landing grounds in remote areas will also be connected. While, VijayNagar, Mechuka, and Tuting are under progress and will be connected soon. The location of Itanagar City, 15 kilometers from Donyi Polo Airport, is ideal for adventure activities. Other than fishing and rafting, trekking is a very well-liked sport in the city. Fort Itanagar is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Arunachal Pradesh, but the city is also home to the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum, Buddha Temple, Ganga Lake, and numerous more well-liked tourist attractions.”
The inaugurations were virtually graced by the Union Minister of Law and Justice – Kiren Rijiju; Minister of State (MoS) for Petroleum and Natural Gas and Labour and Employment – Rameswar Teli; Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh – Chowna Mein; Minister of Civil Aviation, Tourism and Transport Department of Arunachal Pradesh – Nakap Nalo; MP of Lok Sabha – Dola Sen; MP of Rajya Sabha – Prof. Sougata Ray; MP of Lok Sabha – Pasang Dorjee Sona; Speaker of Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly – Chau Zingnu Namchoom; Member of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) – Jummum Ete Deori; Tana Hali Tara; Kaling Moyong; and Mayor – Tame Phassang.
In the meantime, the Secretary of Ministry of Civil Aviation – Rajiv Bansal; Chief Managing Director (CMD) of AIAHL – Vikram Dev Dutt; Deputy Secretary of Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) – Mritunjaya Sharma; Principal Advisor to Managing Director (MD) of IndiGo – R. K. Singh; Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Alliance Air – Vineet Sood, and other dignitaries from MoCA, IndiGo, Alliance Air, and local administration from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Mumbai, and Kolkata also attended the meeting.
