Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inspects Dimapur Airport

Expansion works projected to be completed by March next year

DIMAPUR — Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Monday took note of the congestion at the state’s lone airport, especially the departure and arrival sections.

The chief minister visited Dimapur Airport and inspected its terminals, besides discussing about expansion plans of the facility with the officials to ensure that passengers taking the flight from the airport are comfortable.

Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Transport Department government of Nagaland, M. Ababe Ezung told Eastern Mirror that the checking counter at Dimapur Airport is very congested.

Passengers in the security hall area were experiencing inconveniences during the checking process, so it will be expanded to address this issue and enhance experience of the passengers, he said.

A restaurant will be constructed in the security hall area, he said, adding that plans are on to build a VIP lounge in the arrival terminal.

Providing more information about the government’s expansion plan, Ezung said a dedicated counter for taxi booking services will set up to enhance convenience for travelers.

The existing baggage checking area will be converted into a security hall area, while the baggage checking counter will be relocated to the area currently occupied by police checking, washroom facilities, and the airline office, he updated.

Ezung went on to say that tender process for airport facilities expansion work will soon be initiated and completing the necessary paperwork for the project, which may take about a month.

The expansion work of the airport is projected to be completed by March 2024, he said.