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A joint team from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Airports Authority of India visited Kishtwar recently to assess the proposal for upgrading the town's airstrip under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme. The officials conducted a ground-level study to examine the terrain and feasibility of expansion, followed by meetings with local authorities. The team is expected to submit its findings to higher officials soon. Earlier this year, Minister Jitendra Singh had announced that Kishtwar would get a full-fledged airport adjacent to the Chaugan ground.
A five-member delegation from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airports Authority of India visited Kishtwar this past week to evaluate the proposal for upgrading the existing airstrip into a functional airport under the UDAN scheme. The team inspected the proposed site to carry out a ground-level assessment of its suitability for expansion and infrastructure development. Advertisement
During the visit, the officials held discussions with local authorities to review logistical and administrative aspects of the plan. A district official confirmed that the team assessed the current status of the project and examined the technical feasibility of developing the airstrip into a full-fledged regional airport. The findings of the visit will be compiled into a report, which will then be submitted to higher authorities for further planning and approval.
The proposed upgrade aims to bring Kishtwar under the government's UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) initiative, which focuses on improving air connectivity to remote and underserved regions across India. Once operational, the airport is expected to improve accessibility to the Chenab Valley, benefiting both tourism and trade in the region.
Earlier this year, Union Minister Jitendra Singh had stated that Kishtwar would soon get a modern airport facility with an upgraded airstrip adjacent to the Chaugan ground. He mentioned that the project would enable year-round operations for aircraft landings and take-offs, improving regional mobility and reducing dependence on road travel, which is often disrupted during harsh weather.
In earlier years, development work in the region faced challenges related to land availability and coordination with multiple agencies. The latest site visit signals renewed momentum in advancing the project. The new airport is expected to not only support passenger movement but also enhance emergency evacuation capability and logistics in the mountainous terrain of Jammu and Kashmir.
If the proposal proceeds as planned, the Kishtwar airport will be the first such facility in the Chenab Valley area, giving the region a significant boost in terms of infrastructure and economic potential.
Source PTI
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