Arunachal Pradesh is the only state in the whole of India to not have an airport of its own till date. The people of the state have to depend on nearby airports like Dibrugarh, Lilabari and Guwahati for travelling. In this context, the union civil aviation ministry’s announcement of setting 31 March, 2022, as the deadline to complete the Hollongi greenfield airport has come as big relief. No doubt this is an ambitious target and it may not be fulfilled; however, the decision to work with a deadline is a step in the right direction.
The foundation for the Hollongi airport was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in February this year. Even though the compensation issue has been resolved with the distribution of compensation to the affected landowners, the actual work is yet to start. The airport, once completed, will provide the much-needed air connectivity to the people of the capital complex and adjoining districts. The project has been delayed over the last many years owing to various issues. After many controversies, the issues plaguing the airport have been resolved. The whole state is desperately waiting for the actual work to start on the ground. Also, the start of operation of the Tezu airport will provide air connectivity to the people of eastern Arunachal. Once both the airports start operation, air connectivity will get a big boost in the state. The people of the state will be hoping that the ministry sticks to its deadline and completes the work on the Hollongi greenfield airport by 31 March, 2022.