First phase of work for Holongi airport to start by Feb: AAI

Guwahati/Itanagar: State-run Airports Authority of India (AAI) is going to start the construction work of Green Field Airport in Holongi, Arunachal Pradesh, by February this year, the company said in a statement on Friday. At a crucial review meeting with the Civil Aviation Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Nakap Nalo, on Thursday, AAI's Regional Executive Director (NER) Sanjeev Jindal, said, "We are going to start the first phase of work for the runway (length 2,300 metre), which will be compatible for the operation of A320 type of aircraft, along with pavement works, watchtower, perimeter road etc., by the first week of February 2020. And the tenders for the second phase of work for the terminal building and other construction is likely to be finalised in April 2020."

Holongi airport will cost Rs 955 crore

Holongi airport will be a completely new project which will cost around Rs 955 crore and the passenger terminal building will be built in about 4,100 sqm, with modern facilities and green building compliances. "We hope that the project will benefit people of Arunachal Pradesh and boost trade, tourism, education and export from the state," Jindal said. The Civil Aviation Minister assured that they will provide all possible help and support from the state government to alleviate any problems that could arise and appealed to all to come together like a team to ensure the early completion of the Hollongi airport project. Once completed, the airport will play a pivotal role in steering all-round development in various sectors by providing much-awaited air-connectivity to the state capital, he added.

Timelines

The meeting was also attended by General Managers from AAI JT Radhakrishna, Dilip Sajnanai (Project-in-charge), State Director of Civil Aviation, Tamiyo Tatak, POWERGRID Nirjuli Senior General Manager C Borkotoky and the chief engineers of the departments of Public Works, Power, PHE&WS, UD & Housing. The state work agencies were also present in the meeting and informed that the shifting of 11 KV LT power line passing through the project site will be completed by March 2020 and the works for bulk water supply and power supply, boundary wall, 4-lane approach road and other works will also commence by February 2020.

Commenting on the status of relocating the 132 KV Gohpur-Nirjuli transmission line, POWERGRID officials said that they have already completed a detailed survey and are in the process of obtaining forest clearance for alternate routing.

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