A comprehensive Detailed Project Report (DPR) outlining plans for the development of an airport in Mokokchung, Nagaland has reportedly been submitted to the Transport Department, Government of Nagaland. The DPR, submitted by DSR Surveys Pvt. Ltd, consisted of a Topographical and Obstruction Limitation Surface (OLS) Survey Report. However, the official status of the DPR is yet to be confirmed.
According to the DPR, the proposed airport, known as the ‘Short Landing Strip at Mokokchung’, is situated in the Ungma village area of Mokokchung district. It is positioned approximately 3km south of Ungma Village and around 10 km south of Mokokchung town. Access to the site will be facilitated via the Mokokchung–Tuensang Highway (NH-202).
It was reported that before starting the detailed topographical survey work, a team of experts in the field of survey conducted reconnaissance surveys to familiarize with the area and selection of control points.
Topographical survey has also been carried out to collect all manmade and natural features like roads, building, drain, Railway line telephone/electric pole etc., falling in the study area for better and accurate planning.
The survey team of M/s DSR Surveys Pvt. Ltd. carried out the complete survey of the proposed airport in October 2023 and worked out accurate details of the obstacles in and around, and prepared aeronautical charts.
Since WGS-84 Coordinates System has been officially accepted as the standard Coordinate System by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), all the references and coordinates mentioned in this report have used WGS-84 Coordinates System only (Unless and until stated otherwise).
The proposed Mokokchung airport boasts a runway orientation of 12°/192°. The overall dimensions of the runway are 630 meters in length and 18 meters in width, catering to the operational requirements of various aircraft types. The total land available for the Mokokchung airport project is estimated at 8.01 hectares, equivalent to approximately 19.94 acres.
According to the DPR report, the Mokokchung Airport demonstrates suitability for category 1C operations from both sides of the runway after removing obstacles. The nearest local helipad to Mokokchung Airport is identified as the Mokokchung Helipad, situated at an aerial distance of 3.9 kilometers from the airport premises.
Essential operational parameters, including Take Off Run Available (TORA), Take Off Distance Available (TODA), Accelerate Stop Distance Available (ASDA), and Landing Distance Available (LDA) for Runway 01 & 19, were stipulated. With a recorded distance of 630 meters, it’s noted that no Clearway or Stopway is available at Mokokchung Airport, necessitating meticulous flight planning and execution.
Flashback: North East Aviation Summit 2023
The North East Aviation Summit, chaired by Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, took place in Guwahati on 25 November 2023. The primary objective of the summit was to enhance regional connectivity in the North Eastern States, attracting business and aviation opportunities to spur economic development and growth.
According to news agency ANI, the summit served as a platform for discussions with key state representatives from the eight sister states of the region, focusing on challenges and opportunities in the aviation sector. During the summit, the respective states presented their perspectives, followed by a technical session with important industry stakeholders.
It was at this summit that Athrila S Sangtam, Joint Secretary of the Transport Department, Government of Nagaland, emphasized the state’s focus on enhancing air connectivity through infrastructure development and plans for additional heliports, an STOLport, and an aviation academy.
The Detailed Project Report (DPR) on the proposed Mokokchung Airport aligns with the Nagaland government’s STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) port focus, as highlighted by the state’s Transport Department during the North East Aviation Summit 2023.
However, no official communication could be established with the department to confirm this at the time of filing this news report.