Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has urged the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to expedite clearances required for the long-pending Dimapur airport expansion project, highlighting its strategic importance for tourism, economic growth, and regional connectivity in the Northeast.
The Chief Minister raised the matter with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a recent North Eastern Council (NEC) review meeting, seeking immediate intervention to resolve land acquisition, security, and operational hurdles.
Why Dimapur Airport Expansion Is Crucial
✅ Strategic Gateway: The only civil airport in Nagaland, Dimapur serves as the primary air connectivity hub for the state’s commercial and administrative needs.
✅ Economic Development Driver: Expansion will boost tourism, facilitate trade in horticulture, handicrafts, and unlock regional value chains.
✅ Defence and Security Importance: Located near the Indo-Myanmar border, it supports strategic air operations in the Northeast.
Pivot Table: Dimapur Airport Expansion – Key Facts
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Current runway length | 2,290 metres |
| Proposed extension | Additional 1,000 metres to handle narrow-body jets |
| Passenger traffic (2024-25) | ~320,000 |
| Capacity post-expansion | Estimated >1 million passengers annually |
| Land requirement | ~280 acres |
| Executing agency | Airports Authority of India (AAI) |
CM Rio’s Statement
Speaking to reporters after the NEC meeting, CM Rio said:
“I have requested the Hon’ble Home Minister to expedite the clearances needed for Dimapur airport expansion. This project is vital for Nagaland’s economic future and regional integration.”
Current Hurdles in Expansion
Despite the project being conceptualised over a decade ago, it has faced multiple delays due to:
- Land Acquisition Bottlenecks: Disputes over compensation with affected landowners in adjacent villages.
- Security Clearances: Due to proximity to the Myanmar border, MHA clearance is mandatory for runway expansion and operational upgrades.
- Environmental Approvals: Pending due to changes in land use patterns and ecological impact assessments.
- Funding Allocation Delays: State and central budget approvals for compensation packages and site development.
Table: Timeline of Dimapur Airport Expansion Efforts
| Year | Development | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Initial proposal by AAI | Conceptualised |
| 2013 | Feasibility report submitted | Approved in-principle |
| 2016 | Land acquisition notification issued | Faced local resistance |
| 2019 | Project included under UDAN regional connectivity scheme | Reaffirmed but stalled |
| 2023 | CM Rio seeks Defence clearance | Pending final MHA nod |
| 2025 | MHA approval sought again | Under consideration |
Strategic Importance in India’s Act East Policy
The expansion aligns with India’s Act East Policy, aiming to:
✅ Strengthen connectivity with Southeast Asia via Myanmar.
✅ Enhance border trade potential through better passenger and cargo movement.
✅ Support regional development initiatives like the Trilateral Highway and Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Project.
Expert Views
A senior aviation consultant, Capt. Rajesh Mathur, noted:
“Dimapur airport’s expansion is overdue. The existing runway restricts operations to ATRs and Q400s. Extending it will allow A320 and B737 operations, opening Nagaland to direct metro connectivity.”
Current Operational Limitations
| Aircraft Type | Can Operate Currently? | Post Expansion Capability |
|---|---|---|
| ATR-72 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Bombardier Q400 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Airbus A320 | ❌ | ✅ |
| Boeing 737 | ❌ | ✅ |
Source: Airports Authority of India operational data
Economic Impact Analysis
| Sector | Potential Impact Post Expansion |
|---|---|
| Tourism | 2-3x increase in tourist arrivals, enhanced hospitality sector jobs |
| Agriculture | Faster export of organic pineapples, kiwis, bamboo products |
| Handicrafts | Improved market access for Naga crafts and handlooms |
| Logistics | Establishment of air cargo terminal for perishables |
| Employment | Direct and indirect job creation estimated at 2,500+ |
Funding Status
The expansion project is estimated to cost ₹1,400 crore, including:
- Runway extension and strengthening: ₹500 crore
- New integrated terminal building: ₹600 crore
- Land acquisition and rehabilitation: ₹300 crore
The AAI will fund core airport infrastructure, while land acquisition is under the state government’s purview with central viability gap funding support.
Government Actions Underway
✅ Formation of a high-level coordination committee under Nagaland Chief Secretary to resolve land issues.
✅ Proposal for direct MHA review meeting with CM Rio and state Home Department.
✅ Parallel environment clearance process initiated to avoid sequential delays.
Comparative Table: Northeast Airport Expansion Projects
| Airport | State | Expansion Status | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimapur | Nagaland | Awaiting MHA clearance | Runway extension, new terminal |
| Imphal | Manipur | Underway | New integrated terminal by 2026 |
| Lengpui | Mizoram | DPR preparation | Runway strengthening proposed |
| Dibrugarh | Assam | Completed | Apron and taxiway expansion |
| Agartala | Tripura | Completed (2023) | New integrated terminal operational |
CM Rio’s Closing Remarks
“Dimapur airport is the backbone of Nagaland’s air connectivity. I am confident that with MHA’s support, we can unlock this project soon to realise our people’s aspirations.”
Future Roadmap
- MHA Clearance: Expected within this fiscal, enabling project tendering by AAI.
- Land Acquisition Completion: State government targets end-2025.
- Construction Start: Estimated early 2026.
- Operational Date: Targeted by mid-2028.
Conclusion
The Dimapur airport expansion project is pivotal for Nagaland’s economic transformation and regional integration, opening up direct metro connections, boosting tourism, and enhancing trade under India’s Act East policy. CM Rio’s push for MHA clearance signals the state’s urgency to resolve legacy hurdles and move towards a new era of air connectivity.
Disclaimer: This news analysis is based on official state government statements, Airports Authority of India data, and industry expert inputs. Readers are advised to follow MHA and MoCA releases for formal project approvals and tendering timelines.
