Arunachal wants more helicopter services

Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Nirbhay Sharma has asked the Centre for introduction of more helicopter service in the land-locked state to ease out communication bottle necks.
Sharma during a meeting with Union Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh in New Delhi recently made this plea and discussed the overall civil aviation scenario and related projects coming up in different parts of the state, official sources informed here today.
The Governor asked Singh to expedite aviation projects in the state and restoration of Lilabari Airport. Sharma said that good air service from fully developed airport at Lilabari must be made operational on highest priority.

Calling for ensuring air connectivity to the state, Sharma said that due to its vastness and tough geographical terrain, Arunachal was largely dependent on helicopters, air services for connectivity. He requested for placing two helicopters at the disposal of the state government - one for regular passenger service and the other for ration sorties.
On the aviation projects in the state, the Governor said that the work progress of NEC funded Tezu Airport is slow.
"The Airport Authority of India (AAI) must be asked to speed up the work. Timely completion of this project will go a long way in improving the connectivity in Arunachal Pradesh," sources added quoting the governor.

He also called for expediting works related to advance landing grounds (ALGs) and Greenfield Airport, sources added.