ITANAGAR: Arunachal's first greenfield airport in Itanagar will be completed in November 2022. Considering the importance of air connectivity to the capital city of Arunachal Pradesh, AAI (Airports Authority of India) has undertaken the work to construct a 'Greenfield Airport' at Hollongi, 15 km from Itanagar. The project, estimated to cost Rs 650 crores, includes the development work i.e., construction of the airport pavements, air-side work, terminal building and city-side works.
Comprising an area of 4,100 sq m, the new domestic terminal building of the Hollongi Airport will be able to handle 200 passengers during peak hours. Equipped with eight check-in counters, the terminal building will have all modern passenger facilities. The terminal will be an energy-efficient building provisioned with a Rain Water Harvesting system and sustainable landscape. The development work also includes the construction of an ATC Tower-cum-Technical Block, a fire station, a medical centre and other ancillary works.
The building's envelope is influenced by the surrounding landscapes. Moving away from the strict geometry of straight lines and angles, the roof form is organic and establishes an instant connection with the viewer. The building interior is designed to emanate a sense of calm to the passengers. This is achieved by providing free-flowing spaces, a hidden service core and a glass façade that links the eye to the panoramic scenic beauty of the Himalayan Foothills. Substructure works in the airport have already been completed.
Itanagar, the capital of Arunachal Pradesh is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas. Presently, no airport exists in the vicinity of Itanagar, the closest one being Lilabari Airport which is at a distance of 80km in the state of Assam and takes around three hours to reach by road. An airport to connect the capital city is a much-needed aspiration of the local community which will also act as a primary gateway to Arunachal Pradesh stated a release.
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