Dimapur, May 8: In a significant development for aviation infrastructure in Nagaland, the Assam Rifles on Friday formally handed over 18.8 acres of land occupied by the Assam Rifles Training Centre and School (ARTC&S) at 3rd Mile, Chümoukedima, to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the Phase-I expansion of Dimapur Airport.
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| View of Dimapur Airport in Nagaland, where 18.8 acres of land at Chumoukedima have been handed over by Assam Rifles to the Airports Authority of India for Phase-I expansion works. (File Photo) |
The handing-over and taking-over ceremony was conducted jointly by representatives of the Assam Rifles, the Airports Authority of India, and the Nagaland government, marking a major milestone in the long-awaited airport expansion project.
Among those present during the programme were Moa Pongen, Airport Director of Dimapur Airport; Commandant K.D. Sharma, Commanding Officer of No. 2 Battalion, ARTC&S; Sentiwapang Aier, Secretary of the AIR Cell under the Transport Department; Chümoukedima Deputy Commissioner Polan John; and M. Ababe Ezung, Officer on Special Duty in the Transport Department, along with other officials.
According to officials, the identified 18.8-acre parcel of land within the ARTC&S premises was inspected and verified before the formal transfer process was completed. The transfer paves the way for the commencement of Phase-I development works aimed at upgrading Dimapur Airport’s infrastructure and enhancing its operational capacity.
The expansion project is expected to significantly improve air connectivity for Nagaland by enabling the airport to handle increasing passenger traffic and future aviation requirements. Officials stated that the development will contribute to economic growth, tourism promotion, business connectivity, and overall regional development.
Dimapur Airport serves as Nagaland’s primary air gateway and has witnessed growing passenger movement over the years. With demand for better aviation facilities steadily increasing, the expansion project is considered critical to meeting future transportation needs and improving travel convenience for residents and visitors alike.
During the meeting, officials also discussed the proposed transfer of additional land currently under the occupation of ARTC&S for the Phase-II expansion of the airport. It was noted that further approvals and directives from the competent authorities would be required before the remaining land could be transferred for the next stage of development.
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Officials described the handover as a crucial step towards modernising Nagaland’s aviation infrastructure. They expressed optimism that the airport expansion project would strengthen regional connectivity, attract greater investment, and support the state’s long-term economic and infrastructure development goals.
The successful transfer of land for Phase-I is expected to accelerate the implementation of the project and bring Nagaland closer to realizing a more modern and efficient airport facility capable of serving the state's growing needs.
