ITANAGAR, 1 Sep: The Arunachal Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) said it is encouraged to learn that IndiGo is proposing enhanced air connectivity to and from Itanagar via Guwahati, with the new connectivity expected to become effective from 10 October.
Thanking the state government for its timely intervention, continued support, and concerted efforts towards strengthening air connectivity between Arunachal Pradesh and major cities across the country, the ACCI said that, "as per the tentative schedule and information shared by IndiGo's eastern region authorities, Itanagar is set to witness a significant expansion in air connectivity, making travel to and from the state capital more convenient, accessible, and better connected with major destinations across the country."
Under the proposed schedule, it said, passengers travelling from Itanagar via Guwahati are expected to have improved connectivity to Delhi and Kolkata, along with several other major metropolitan cities and commercial centres of India, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Ahmedabad.
"The proposed expansion is expected to provide passengers with greater choice, improved connectivity, and more convenient travel options, particularly for those travelling between Itanagar and major metropolitan, commercial, educational, and business centres across the country," the ACCI stated in a release.
Enhanced air connectivity will be particularly beneficial to business travellers, entrepreneurs, students, tourists, government officials, professionals, and the general public, it said, adding that the arrangement would also make Arunachal more accessible to visitors from different parts of India, thereby creating greater opportunities for tourism, trade, investment, commerce, and economic development.
"For a geographically challenging and strategically important state like Arunachal Pradesh, improved air connectivity is not merely a matter of convenience; it is an important component of strengthening regional accessibility and integrating the state more effectively with the national economic network," the ACCI said.
The proposed IndiGo services through Guwahati therefore represent a significant and welcome step towards further strengthening regional air connectivity to Itanagar, while providing passengers with more flexible, reliable, and convenient travel options, it said.
"If implemented as proposed, this development will further enhance the role of Itanagar airport (Donyi Polo Airport) as an important gateway to Arunachal Pradesh and support the state's growing requirements for passenger movement, tourism, business, investment, and overall economic development," it added.
"The ACCI sincerely appreciates the efforts and cooperation of all authorities concerned and stakeholders in facilitating improved air connectivity for the people of Arunachal Pradesh. Such initiatives are vital for ensuring that the state remains better connected with the rest of the country and is able to fully realise its potential in tourism, commerce, entrepreneurship, trade, and investment," it said.
