North East News Agency

The Central Government is formulating an Action Plan for development of airports in the North-East Region, according to Airports Authority of India   officials who took part in the Sectoral Meeting of NEC to plan for Vision 2020.

This includes upgradation of Guwahati Airport, to bring it to international standards.  There is also a proposal to launch a regional airline service through assistance of NEC and  DONER,   connecting  all  State  capitals  and  District Headquarters of the region.

AAI officials said that steps would be taken to activate all non-operational airports. An airport will be constructed at Gangtok at a cost of Rs. 340 crores, while technology feasibility studies will be made for Kohima Airport at a cost of Rs. 1 crore.  Steps are on to identify an alternative site for construction of the Itanagar airport.

Indian Airlines authorities claimed that its services to North- East has improved considerably from June this year, a stable schedule will be adhered to from November this year and fares have been reduced in some .”At present the airline is operating four ATR services in NE.

Dr.(Smt.) I.K. Barthakur, Member, NEC emphasized on all State capitals having airports, cheaper air fares, some linkages provided tc hill people in remote areas and larger infrastructural facilities to passengers.

For the development of Inland Water Transport, the Govt. of India is providing 100% Central grant and there is large potential for taking up cargo traffic from Assam to West Bengal for which proper infrastructural facilities have to be built, like -large cargo terminals, speedy vessels, etc.The development of the railway sector in North East necessitates the conversion of all metre gauge lines to broad gauge by 2020.

The Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) which deals with traffic and transportation management, has taken up about 4 important projects in the North East to develop the road sector with stress on connectivity to adjoining towns, road safety and development of hill roads.

Assam| North East Enquirer (Headlines) | Nena Home Page |