Alliance Air has inaugurated a new flight route connecting Tezu, a town in Arunachal Pradesh, to Guwahati, the largest city in Assam. This long-awaited direct flight will enhance travel convenience for residents, improve tourism prospects, and promote economic growth in one of India’s most remote and picturesque regions.
The flight service was flagged off at Tezu Airport in a ceremony attended by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia, and other state and central government officials. The introduction of the Tezu-Guwahati route under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) UDAN marks a significant step in improving air infrastructure in the Northeast, a region that has long struggled with difficult terrain and limited transportation options.
Boost for Regional Connectivity
Alliance Air, a subsidiary of Air India, is playing a pivotal role in expanding regional air connectivity in India. The new Tezu-Guwahati route is part of the government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) initiative, which aims to make air travel affordable and accessible to smaller cities and remote areas. Launched in 2017, UDAN has been instrumental in connecting unserved and underserved airports across the country.
The Tezu-Guwahati flight is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two locations. Previously, travelers from Tezu had to endure long and arduous road journeys or take indirect flights via Dibrugarh or other cities. With the new direct route, travel time will be reduced to just about an hour, making it far more convenient for locals, government officials, and tourists alike.
Speaking at the inauguration, Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed his gratitude to the central government and Alliance Air for their efforts in bringing Arunachal Pradesh closer to the rest of India. “This new flight route will open up new opportunities for the people of Tezu and the surrounding areas. It will improve accessibility, promote tourism, and attract investment, which will contribute to the development of the region,” he said.
Tezu: A Gateway to Eastern Arunachal
Tezu, located in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh, is a town of historical and cultural significance. It serves as a gateway to eastern Arunachal, with its proximity to scenic spots like the picturesque Parasuram Kund, a famous pilgrimage site, and the Mishmi Hills, known for their stunning biodiversity and adventure tourism potential. However, the region’s development has been hindered by poor connectivity, making the new flight route a game-changer.
Tourism, in particular, is expected to receive a considerable boost with the opening of this route. Arunachal Pradesh, often called the “Land of the Dawn-lit Mountains,” is renowned for its pristine landscapes, dense forests, and diverse tribal cultures. Improved air access is likely to encourage more domestic and international tourists to visit, thus promoting eco-tourism and adventure activities such as trekking, river rafting, and wildlife exploration.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, in his speech, emphasized the government’s commitment to improving air connectivity in the Northeast. “The Northeast is of strategic importance to India, both economically and culturally. Through initiatives like UDAN, we are ensuring that even the remotest parts of the region are connected to the national mainstream. This new route is just the beginning; we are working on further enhancing air infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh and beyond,” Scindia said.
Economic and Social Impact
The new flight service is also expected to have positive socio-economic impacts on the region. For years, the people of Tezu and its neighboring areas have had limited access to healthcare, education, and business opportunities due to geographical isolation. With the Tezu-Guwahati flight, residents will have quicker access to better medical facilities in Guwahati, as well as educational institutions and commercial hubs.
The flight will also facilitate trade and commerce by providing a faster means of transporting goods. This is particularly important for the agriculture and handicrafts sectors in Arunachal Pradesh, where local products such as organic produce, traditional textiles, and handloom products can now reach bigger markets in Assam and other parts of India more easily.
Local entrepreneurs and small businesses stand to benefit from improved logistics, which will enable them to expand their market reach. The flight is also expected to encourage private sector investments in tourism and hospitality, further stimulating economic growth in the region.
The Road Ahead: More Connectivity for Arunachal
While the launch of the Tezu-Guwahati flight marks an important milestone, it is just the beginning of Arunachal Pradesh’s journey toward improved air connectivity. The state government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has outlined plans to connect more airports in Arunachal Pradesh to other parts of India, including potential routes from Itanagar, Ziro, and Pasighat.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu also highlighted the state’s efforts to improve road and rail connectivity alongside air transport. “We are working on a multi-modal transportation network that will make Arunachal Pradesh accessible by air, road, and rail. This will transform the socio-economic landscape of our state and improve the quality of life for our people,” he said.
The introduction of the Tezu-Guwahati flight route by Alliance Air is a landmark achievement for Arunachal Pradesh, offering new opportunities for tourism, trade, and social development. As the state continues to improve its connectivity infrastructure, it is poised to unlock its vast potential and become a vibrant part of India’s economic growth story. With better accessibility, Arunachal Pradesh is now more connected to the nation than ever before, bringing hope for a brighter future for its people.