Pema Khandu, BD Mishra Inspect Hollongi Greenfield Airport work

ITANAGAR Chief Minister Pema Khandu along with Governor Brig (Retd) BD Mishra held a review meeting with the officials of Airport Authority of India (AAI) and others on the work progress of Greenfield Airport, Hollongi on Tuesday.

The meeting was attended by the representatives of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL), State PWD, PHED, MLA Tana Hali, State Civil Aviation Minister Nakap Nalo, Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, contractors and officials from other works departments.

Speaking to the reporters, Khandu said that a detailed review on the construction of the airport was discussed with the AAI officials as well as the construction agency of the airport.

Khandu said the Government and the construction agency are optimistic that the airport will be temporarily operational by August 15 next. He thanked the Government of India for sanctioning a pre-fabricated terminal for the temporary functioning of the airport.

"As we are aware that the working season in the State is less, therefore, the airport will operate through the pre-fabricated terminal. As per the agreement, the completion of the airport is in December, 2022," he said, adding that the date may be extended by another six months, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said that it is a national project under AAI and, therefore, there is no question of any compromise in the build quality of the airport and other infrastructures.

"Until and unless the AAI qualifies the parameters of Civil Aviation and other aviation guidelines, the airport will not qualify to operate," he added.

Khandu also informed that an MoU has been signed during a meeting with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, where it was finalized to provide two small size flights which can accommodate 16 people in a single flight at a time.

Meanwhile, Regional Executive Director (NER-AAI) Ravi Kant said that the entire work is in full swing and it will be functional by the target time on August 15. He also said there is no question of compromise in the quality of the airport as it will go through multiple inspections, prior operational.

He said due to the COVID-19 pandemic work pace went slow but the team is now in full swing and is working day and night with more involvement of workers. "We are making sure that the works which can be affected due to the monsoon season will be completed first. The building envelope will be completed and accordingly Intel and interior will be started," he said.

He also informed that the runway is around 2300 meters and the airbus will be of C- Category. Moreover, three aircraft can be parked at a time in the Airport.

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