Tezu Airport upgrades, enhance Northeastern connectivity and economy

On September 24 in Arunachal Pradesh, Minister for Civil Aviation and Steel, Jyotiraditya Scindia, will collaborate with Chief Minister Pema Khandu to officially unveil the recently upgraded Tezu Airport infrastructure, marking a significant step towards expanding connectivity in India's northeastern region and fortifying the local economy, as announced in a press release from the Ministry of Civil Aviation.The transformation of Tezu Airport, a domestic airport located in Tezu town, involved substantial investments totalling Rs 1.7 billion. These enhancements encompass an extension of the runway by 30 meters to reach a total length of 1500 meters, the construction of a modern apron capable of accommodating two ATR 72 type aircraft, the establishment of a new terminal building, and the creation of a fire station cum Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower, as detailed in the press release.Tezu Airport became operational under the RCS UDAN scheme of the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2018, significantly enhancing regional connectivity with regular flights to Dibrugarh, Imphal, and Guwahati through Alliance Air and Flybig Airlines.Key features of the new terminal building include a terminal area spanning 4000 square meters, a peak-hour capacity to serve 300 passengers, five check-in counters (with three more planned for the future), two arrival carousels, and two aircraft parking bays suitable for ATR-72 aircraft, as outlined in the press release.Notably, the infrastructure upgrades at Tezu Airport prioritise sustainability and energy efficiency. These include a double-insulated roofing system, an energy-efficient HVAC and lighting system, low heat gain glazing, ECBC-compliant equipment, a solid waste management system, reuse of treated water for flushing and horticulture, rainwater harvesting integrated with a sustainable urban drainage system, and the use of efficient water fixtures.The anticipated benefits of these enhancements are manifold, encompassing increased airport capacity to handle greater traffic, improved connectivity between the northeastern region and the rest of the country, a boost to tourism, trade, and employment opportunities, and the promotion of infrastructure development and economic growth in the region.Situated along the scenic banks of the Lohit River and serving as the headquarters of the Lohit District in Arunachal Pradesh, Tezu is renowned for its natural beauty. Surrounded by lush green forests and rolling hills, this charming town is poised to leverage its upgraded airport infrastructure to welcome more visitors and contribute to the prosperity of the region.The inauguration of Tezu Airport's new infrastructure underscores the Ministry of Civil Aviation's commitment to enhancing connectivity and stimulating economic growth in India's northeastern states.