(a) the number of airports are to be covered under the Greenfield Airports and the latest progress of such airports in the North Eastern (NE) Region;
(b) whether Planning Commission has granted in principle approval for Pasighat and Tezu airports in Arunachal Pradesh;
(c) if so, the details and the progress of work in these two Airports;
(d) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)
(a) There are proposals for establishment of Greenfield Airports at Pakyong in Sikkim, Chiethu (Kohima) in Nagaland, Itanagar and Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh and Kokrajhar in Assam, in North Eastern Region. On the basis of `in-principle` approval of Planning Commission, Airports Authority of India (AAI) has issued press advertisement for prequalification of bidders in respect of Pakyong Airport. As far as Itanagar and Chiethu Airports are concerned, Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are under preparation by AAI. A pre-feasibility study has been conducted by an AAI team in respect of proposed Tawang Airports in Arunachal Pradesh. In respect of Kokrajhar Airport, Bodoland Territorial Council has identified a site. Team of AAI will conduct a pre-feasibility study shortly.
(b), (c), (d) & (e) Planning Commission has granted `in-principle` approval for operationalisation of Passighat and Tezu airports in Arunachal Pradesh for ATR-42 operations. Accordingly, AAI has initiated action for preparation of DPR in respect of these airports.