Dibrugarh Airport is an important node in the trade, tourism, and regional connectivity of northeastern India. Improvement in the airport’s infrastructure has been under the driver’s seat of Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, with the ongoing runway expansion project supported by the central government. This will be very crucial in making the airport transform into an easily accessible and efficient gateway for Northeast India.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal reviewed the work of the runway expansion
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal recently visited Dibrugarh. He reviewed the progress work done on the runway expansion work. He chaired the advisory committee meeting of Dibrugarh Airport as part of his efforts to ensure that the work done in every step of the project goes ahead in line with the government vision for the region to have up-to-date infrastructure.
It delved into technical details like runway and projected timelines and timeframe estimated for the impact on regional growth. The minister further assured Sonowal that this extension was imperative, not only in terms of adding to the operational capacities of the airport but also to boost connectivity across Northeast India.
Dibrugarh under Narendra Modi
Sonowal said that Dibrugarh has witnessed revolutionary growth under Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014. Sonowal said the city has experienced tremendous growth, and the airport now serves as a central point to thrive in the area.
The NEGAIF says that improved connectivity and the modernizing of infrastructure made Dibrugarh become an ideal gateway to the Northeast region. The upgrading of the airport is part of the long-term vision of the government aimed to achieve air connectivity within the underdeveloped regions of the country. With this air transport connectivity upgrade, air communication into the district of Dibrugarh as well as the surrounding communities will surely advance in its support for its socio-economic development.
The Role of the UDAN Scheme in Dibrugarh’s Development
Another major reason behind the development of this airport with ambitious targets has been the UDAN scheme launched by the Indian government. “The UDAN scheme has completely transformed the domestic air travel which was earlier restricted to higher flight frequencies and expensive travel only for a select few from the Indian population,” says Sonowal.
It was especially beneficial for the North Eastern states, and Dibrugarh happens to be one of the principal places to be reaped under this initiative. As it was already witnessing an enormous boost in the passenger numbers coming through UDAN and, with the newly added length to the runways, it will gain immensely in accommodating the soaring need for air travels within this region.
Dibrugarh Airport: Future
Minister Sonowal hopes that by next year, the runway would be extended to its full length. Then Dibrugarh shall be able to accommodate large aircraft and high frequencies in flights. In any case, the development will spur further economic activity in the region because there will be easy access to markets for trade and tourism destinations in and outside India.
Conclusion: Beacon of Progress for Northeast India
Expansion at the Dibrugarh Airport is not just construction works-it can also be a sign of development in the development of Northeast India. Since the central governments have come together for a common cause under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Dibrugarh is in good shape toward forming a very vital center for development of economic and infrastructural growth in this region. This will most certainly change the pattern of travel into and out of the region, making it nearer and opening more scopes not only for business but also tourism. The project at nearly completion stage promises a brighter future to Dibrugarh and its people in terms of increased connectivity and modern infrastructures supporting continued prosperity in the region.
Refer :
ET, Link to article
For more updates on the latest developments in the North East India, check out our article on Northeast’s Transformative Growth in Connectivity: A Decade of Evolution