Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu Requests More Flights to Improve Connectivity
Itanagar (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], July 18: Chief Minister Pema Khandu of Arunachal Pradesh has asked the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to increase flight services to and from Donyi Polo Airport in Itanagar. This request aims to enhance the quality of life, connectivity, tourism, and commerce in the state.
In a letter to Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Khandu highlighted that currently, there is only one flight each to Kolkata (6 times a week) and New Delhi (4 times a week). These flights are often fully booked, leading to high travel costs and ticket unavailability, even in emergencies. The lack of daily flights also makes it difficult for visitors and tourists to access the state.
Khandu noted that connecting flights from Kolkata and New Delhi to other major cities are inadequate. For example, there is no same-day connectivity from Itanagar to Bhopal and Kochi, requiring an overnight stay in New Delhi or Kolkata. The layover times for flights to and from Ahmedabad and Bengaluru are also lengthy.
The Chief Minister also mentioned the discontinuation of flight services between Itanagar and Guwahati by FlyBig under the UDAN scheme since November 2023. He urged the Union Minister to increase flight services to New Delhi and Kolkata, add a morning departure from Itanagar to New Delhi, and provide direct flights to other major cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, and Hyderabad. He also requested better connectivity options from New Delhi and Kolkata airports and the reinstatement of flights between Itanagar and Guwahati under the RCS-UDAN scheme.
In another letter to Rahul Bhatia, Group Managing Director of InterGlobe Aviation Limited (IndiGo), Khandu requested more flights to Delhi, including a morning departure, and direct flights to other major cities. He thanked IndiGo for operating the first flight from Donyi Polo Airport and for connecting Itanagar to Kolkata and New Delhi. He assured that the State’s Department of Civil Aviation would support IndiGo in enhancing and extending flight services.
IndiGo has announced that it will operate flights between Itanagar and Kolkata 7 days a week starting July 31. Currently, there is no flight service on this route on Wednesdays.
Doubts Revealed
Arunachal Pradesh -: Arunachal Pradesh is a state in the northeastern part of India. It is known for its beautiful mountains and forests.
CM -: CM stands for Chief Minister. The Chief Minister is the head of the government in an Indian state.
Pema Khandu -: Pema Khandu is the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh. He is responsible for making important decisions for the state.
Union Civil Aviation Ministry -: The Union Civil Aviation Ministry is a part of the Indian government that looks after air travel and airports in the country.
Donyi Polo Airport -: Donyi Polo Airport is an airport in Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh. It helps people travel by air to and from the state.
Itanagar -: Itanagar is the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh. It is where the state government is located.
New Delhi -: New Delhi is the capital city of India. It is a major hub for flights and other transportation.
Kolkata -: Kolkata is a big city in the eastern part of India. It is known for its culture and history.
Guwahati -: Guwahati is a major city in the northeastern part of India. It is an important center for trade and travel.
IndiGo -: IndiGo is a popular airline in India. It operates many flights within the country and to other countries.