Northeast states get more flights, tourism expected to shoot up

Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel Jyotiraditya Scindia has inaugurated multiple flights to expand the connectivity to Northeastern region which is expected to boost economic activity and tourism in the region.

The Itanagar-Mumbai flight via Kolkata being operated by IndiGo started on November 28 linking the city to two metros. The Dibrugarh-Itanagar-Ziro flight operated by Alliance Air started on November 29 which was followed by the Dibrugarh-Itanagar-Pasighat flight also operated by Alliance Air which started on November 30.

In his inaugural address, Scindia said that previous governments used to give hope, but nothing was being implemented. In the last eight years, the Modi government has given an unprecedented priority to the Northeastern states.

It is the vision of the Prime Minster 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, the minister said.

He also assured that the airports at Vijay Nagar, Mechuka, and Tuting are under development and will be connected soon.

Itanagar which is just 15 kilometres from Donyi Polo Airport, is ideal for adventure activities. Apart from 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, which is known for its scenic beauty is also home to the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum, Buddha Temple and Ganga Lake.

The Airports Authority of India has developed a greenfield airport in Itanagar with the help of the Centre and the state government with an investment of Rs 646 crore.

The reduction in tax (VAT) on jet fuel by the Arunachal Pradesh government will also help in the rapid increase in air connectivity, the minister said.