During the Northeast Aviation Summit in Guwahati, Athrila S Sangtam, Joint Secretary of the Transport Department, Government of Nagaland, revealed the state’s ambitious plans to elevate air connectivity through a comprehensive strategy encompassing infrastructure development. This vision includes the establishment of additional heliports, a Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) port, and the creation of an aviation academy.

Nagaland Civil Aviation

Sangtam said that with a notable influx of foreign and domestic visitors, the state is focused on enhancing air connectivity through infrastructure development. Currently, Nagaland has one airport, in Dimapur, with two heliports set for commissioning. She said that the state plans to include establishing more Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)-approved heliports, pursuing the construction of a STOLport, and proposing an aviation academy for pilot and crew training.

The Northeast Aviation Summit, chaired by Vumlunmang Vualnam, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India was held in Guwahati on Saturday, 25 November.

According to ANI, the primary objective of the summit was to bolster regional connectivity in the North Eastern States, inviting business and aviation opportunities to stimulate economic development and growth. The summit also served as a platform for discussions with key state representatives from the eight northeastern states, focusing on challenges and opportunities in the aviation sector.

“The North East Aviation Summit chaired by Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam, focused on enhancing regional connectivity in the North Eastern States. The summit aimed to unlock business opportunities, leveraging the region’s natural resources & cultural heritage for robust economic growth,” MoCA also stated in its X platform.

In the inaugural session, states presented their perspectives, followed by a technical session with important industry stakeholders.

Ministry of Civil Aviation
Photo: @MoCA/X

During discussions at the summit, Swapnil M Naik, Secretary of Civil Aviation, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, spotlighted challenges, including the imperative for an airport complex, increased flight services, and heliports, seeking support from Pawan Hans and Airports Authority of India (AAI).

Robin Kumar, Commissioner of Transport, Government of Assam, underscored the presence of essential elements such as road infrastructure, power facilities, law and order mechanisms, and political stability. With these foundational elements in place, the state is now contemplating investment opportunities in the civil aviation sector, seeking support from MoCA.

ST Rithung, Joint Secretary, Government of Manipur, emphasized the importance of increasing flight frequency and connectivity with neighboring countries. Sanjay Goyal, Commissioner and Secretary, Transport Department, Meghalaya, delved into aspects such as direct flights, helicopter operations, and heliports, citing Meghalaya’s recognition as the most proactive state at Wings India 2022.

Pu Lalsangpuia, Deputy Controller, GAD, Aviation Wing, Government of Mizoram, expressed gratitude for enhanced connectivity between Aizawl and Delhi, aiming to expand services and attract more airlines for competitive pricing.

The summit revealed the commitment of the Government of Assam to exploring investment opportunities in the civil aviation sector. CS Rao, Principal Secretary, Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation, Government of Sikkim, shared that the state government is actively working on a civil aviation report, acknowledging unique challenges and appreciating Pawan Hans Ltd for their helicopter services during emergencies.

Maitreyee Debnath, Deputy Secretary, Department of Transport, Government of Tripura, provided an overview of civil aviation in the state and highlighted the role of helicopters in regional connectivity.

Sunny Guglani, Chairman of the FICCI General Aviation Taskforce Committee and head of Airbus Helicopters, India, underscored the need for expanded helicopter operations in the North East, emphasizing their potential to boost tourism, aid public services, and manage disasters. The imminent “Project Sanjeeva” promises formative changes in this regard, showcasing the industry’s commitment to promoting mobility in the Northeast, signaling a bright future for the region.

Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam stated, “The collaborative efforts at the Northeast Aviation Summit underscore the Ministry’s commitment to the holistic development of the region. The discussions and partnerships formed during this summit will contribute significantly to the advancement of aviation in the North East. As we look forward to WINGS India 2024, our vision for the Civil Aviation sector aligns with India’s broader goals, setting the stage for a dynamic and sustainable future.”

K Moses Chalai, Secretary of the Northeastern Council, emphasized the critical role of civil aviation in job creation and holistic regional development. Highlighting the success of schemes like “Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik” (UDAN) and its helicopter services, Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam affirmed their crucial role in fulfilling the aspirations of the people in the Northeast to fly, thereby contributing to economic development and mobility.

The Northeast Aviation Summit aligns with the upcoming WINGS India roadshow 2024, scheduled from January 18 to 21 at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad. The chosen theme, “Connecting India to the World in Amrit Kaal: Setting the Stage for Indian Civil Aviation @2047,” echoes the Indian Government’s audacious goal to transform the Civil Aviation sector by India’s 100th year of Independence in 2047. The vision encompasses infrastructure expansion, enhanced connectivity, adoption of advanced technologies, and long-term sustainability, positioning India as a Global Aviation Hub.

Asangba Chuba Ao, Joint Secretary, MoCA, highlighted the significance of this event and thanked the Government of Assam for hosting this important Summit.

Mokokchung Times

6 thoughts on “Northeast Aviation Summit: Nagaland government plans for creation of STOL port, aviation academy”
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