Donyi Polo Gets All-Weather Tag, Aids Border Access
Arunachal Pradesh has taken a significant leap in its strategic and civil aviation capabilities with the Donyi Polo Airport near Itanagar now receiving an all-weather licence. This upgrade not only allows round-the-clock air operations, including during adverse weather and night conditions, but also underscores India’s broader push to strengthen infrastructure in its northeast frontier, where China’s assertiveness continues to intensify.
The airport, operational since 2022, is Arunachal’s first greenfield aviation hub and has now become a critical node in India’s eastern aviation corridor. Officials said the new certification, granted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), marks a turning point in the state’s connectivity and security readiness. According to authorities, the new status will support both routine civilian mobility and emergency logistics, particularly vital in this border-sensitive region.
State officials described the milestone as a crucial enabler of uninterrupted movement in a terrain known for frequent weather disruptions. This development is part of a broader national strategy to scale up infrastructure across the state. India is fast-tracking multiple large-scale projects to match the pace of China’s infrastructure expansion along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Over the past two years, Beijing has renamed dozens of locations in Arunachal, constructed airbases near the border, and advanced massive hydroelectric plans that India views as geopolitical provocations. India’s response has been layered. On the aviation front, the newly operationalised Donyi Polo Airport—with its enhanced all-weather capacity—is expected to facilitate better supply chain logistics, healthcare access, and military preparedness in the region.
Arunachal Pradesh’s infrastructure transformation reflects a broader strategic vision combining security, sustainability, and regional development. Projects like the ₹40,000 crore Arunachal Frontier Highway, the near-complete Sela Tunnel, and the Donyi Polo Airport aim to bridge logistical gaps in remote hilly districts. With improved last-mile connectivity, sustainable design, and resilient construction, these initiatives support both military readiness and civilian access.
India’s rapid infrastructure push in Arunachal Pradesh sends a strong message: development and security in the Northeast are integral to national interest. By merging eco-conscious construction with strategic mobility and energy independence, the government is investing in long-term resilience. Officials underscore that inclusivity and preparedness are central to this effort.
