Itanagar, Aug. 12: Arunachal Pradesh chief minister Pema Khandu today dedicated the state's first inter-state bus terminus (ISBT) to its people. The terminus is expected to reduce vehicular traffic pressure in Itanagar and Naharlagun.

Khandu inaugurated the terminus during a function at the ISBT complex in Lekhi village near Naharlagun in the presence of urban development minister Nabam Rebia, parliamentary secretaries Techi Kaso and Likha Saaya, chief secretary Shakuntala D. Gamlin, urban development chief engineer Taba Tedir and other officials.

"The ISBT will go a long way in benefiting the people of the state by reducing vehicular traffic pressure in the twin cities of Itanagar and Naharlagun," Khandu said and instructed the chief secretary to issue directives through the deputy commissioners to all bus services to park and ply their vehicles only from the terminus.

Khandu expressed happiness in inaugurating the project, which was sanctioned by his father, former chief minister late Dorjee Khandu.

"I followed up with the project as urban development minister during which I kept monitoring its progress through inspections. Being aware of the financial hurdles, as soon I became the chief minister I asked the department to bring the matter to the cabinet for sanction of funds," he said.

Khandu said the new inter-state truck terminus will also be completed this month and by December the new convention hall in Indira Gandhi Park will also be completed. "Also in the pipeline is an MLA apartment, which will be completed on time," Khandu said and expressed happiness that he was able to complete the construction of the state civil secretariat and Assembly building during his tenure.

"The state government is serious about the completion of all pending big infrastructural projects," he added.

The chief minister said the Union railway ministry has been asked to increase the service of Shatabdi Express from Guwahati to Naharlagun to five days a week from the present three days.

On air service in the state, Khandu said his government would soon avail of the Udan regional connectivity services, starting flight services from major cities in Assam to Arunachal.

He said Arunachal was the only state in India that has no airport in its capital city. A central technical team has identified Hollongi as a viable site for the airport, he said, urging people not to claim exorbitant rates for compensation, which may prove as a hurdle in early completion of the project.