Transformation of Dmu Airport on the anvil

Director, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Dimapur Airport, Er. Moatemjen Pongen, Wednesday described the proposed expansion of Dimapur Airport as a “major milestone” for the state , adding that the project will transform the Airport into a modern facility with enhanced passenger amenities. He said the proposed integrated terminal is to be equipped with additional parking bays, aero-bridges, lifts, escalators and other services under various phases.
In an exclusive to Nagaland Post, Pongen also informed that an entire complex of the new integrated terminal building at Dimapur Airport under several phases, is expected to commence by 2029 over the entire land belonging to AAI including around 140 acres occupied by Assam Rifles Training Centre (ARTC).
Meanwhile, the Assam Rifles is yet to vacate 18.8 acres of 140 acres of land it occupies belonging to the Airport Authority of India(AAI). The Assam Rifles is supposed to vacate to Shokuvi while CRPF has decided to vacate the 8 acres is occupies and shift to Chümoukedima. Assam Rifles is going slow in expectation of compensation of Rs.16 crore for some old and dilapidated buildings constructed over thirty years back.
The Assam Rifles was given use of land on lease by AAI which paid compensation after the 8 Mountain Division vacated it.
The 18.8 acres of land under Phase –I involves construction of aerobridge, proposed parking bay for 14 aircrafts and helicopters from the present four.
Terming the meeting as “positive,” Pongen expressed hope of acquiring the land within the next two to three months, adding that construction of the new “integrated terminal” would begin by 2029.
Meanwhile, on the ongoing modification and expansion of the existing terminal building, taken up at a cost of Rs. 19 crore, he said work was progressing steadily with around 70% completed, while the remaining 30% was expected to be finished by October–November, ahead of the Hornbill Festival.
The upgraded terminal would include an expanded Security Holding Area with a capacity to accommodate 390 passengers, a significant increase from the present 150, he said.
On the recurring issue of runway flooding, Pongen clarified that the problem stemmed from the runway being at a lower level.
While the airport had constructed proper drainage channels, he said water inflow from outside its jurisdiction often disrupted the system, leading to inundation due to blocked drains.He informed that state and central government agencies, along with the Brahmaputra Board, were actively working to strengthen and repair the drainage network. Although waterlogging during rainfall cannot be completely avoided, Pongen said the AAI was trying its best to reduce time taken for draining out water.
Dimapur Airport currently handles around four to five flights per day with nearly 1,000 passengers-arrivals and departures combined-using the facility daily. Pongen said the present expansion works, were aimed at meeting immediate requirements, while the integrated terminal project would cater to the long-term needs of rising passenger traffic.