Itanagar, Jun 6: In a bid to enhance connectivity to Arunachal Pradesh’s remote region of Mechuka, Tourism Minister P.D. Sona met with Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha on Friday to propose the introduction of daily fixed-wing flights under the Government of India’s UDAN scheme.

Currently dependent on limited helicopter services that are affected by weather conditions, Mechuka remains largely inaccessible for extended periods. Highlighting the need for reliable year-round connectivity, the Minister emphasized the potential benefits for both residents and tourism development.

“We are committed to improving the infrastructure and connectivity in Mechuka. A daily flight to Itanagar will not only enhance the lives of locals but also promote tourism in the region,” said P.D. Sona during the meeting.

In response, the Civil Aviation Secretary directed Sankesh Mehta, Director of Civil Aviation, to engage with airlines and initiate the bidding process for the Mechuka-Itanagar route under the UDAN scheme. The Arunachal government assured full support, including necessary infrastructure and administrative facilitation.

The meeting also addressed the pending clearance of the Mechuka Civil Terminal. Deputy Director General, BCAS, IPS Pratibha Ambedkar assured that the matter would be prioritized to expedite the approval process.

If approved, the initiative would mark a significant step in strengthening air connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh, linking one of its most remote and strategically important regions to the rest of the country.