Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu Highlights Growth Under Modi; Inaugurates New Terminal at Donyi Polo Airport

Itanagar, Sep 2025 : Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu on Thursday said that civil aviation has been one of the key priority sectors of the NDA government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the number of airports, aircraft, and passengers doubling over the past 11 years.

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating the new terminal building of the Donyi Polo Airport at Hollongi near Itanagar, Naidu described the occasion as a “happy day” for the people of Arunachal Pradesh, as the modern facility became operational.

“The Centre has laid special focus on improving air connectivity in the Northeast,” Naidu said, adding that the project, which had been delayed earlier, was completed with the guidance of Chief Minister Pema Khandu and support from both the state and central governments.

Boost for Northeast Connectivity

The Donyi Polo Airport, operational since 2022, joins other developing airports in the state including Pasighat, Tezu, and Ziro. The new terminal has a peak-hour capacity of 800 passengers, enabling it to handle up to 1.5 million passengers annually — a sharp rise from the temporary facility that could accommodate only 150 passengers.

Connectivity from Itanagar is also set to improve. From September 17, IndiGo will operate daily flights to Delhi, up from the current four weekly services. The airport already connects to Guwahati, Kolkata, and Tezu.

Future Plans Under UDAN

Naidu said discussions are ongoing to expand regional links, including new heliports across Arunachal Pradesh. These efforts fall under the extended UDAN scheme, renewed for another 10 years to strengthen regional air connectivity, particularly in the Northeast, hilly states, and aspirational districts.

“The modified scheme will support airlines on routes previously considered unviable, ensuring better accessibility for remote regions,” the minister added.

Passenger-Centric Initiatives

On the occasion, the minister also launched several new facilities at the airport:

• UDAN Yatri Café to provide affordable food and beverages.
• Library Initiative, allowing travelers to borrow and drop books across airports.
• AVASAR Platform, enabling self-help and women’s groups to showcase and sell local products.
• A kids’ store, designed for families traveling with children.

Naidu emphasized that such initiatives will make air travel more accessible, comfortable, and inclusive for passengers while showcasing the cultural and local vibrancy of the Northeast.