New Delhi: After detailed deliberations, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia on Saturday made several announcements to strengthen the aviation infrastructure in the Union Territory.
News agency IANS reported that LG Manoj Sinha revealed that it has been agreed to start the first international flight between Srinagar and Sharjah soon.
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The move is aimed at fulfilling the long pending demand of the Union Territory for direct international connectivity.
“Similarly, the runway at Jammu airport has been extended and the 30 per cent load penalty at Jammu airport will be removed from October 1. This will bring a big relief to airlines and passengers. We have also decided to build a new airport terminal. Adjacent to the existing airport at Jammu. 122 acres of land has already been identified. It will soon be handed over to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for construction of a state-of-the-art 25,000 square meter new terminal building,” Sinha quoted IANS as saying.
Scindia said during the press conference that the construction of a new terminal building in Srinagar at a cost of about Rs 1500 crore would start soon. The new terminal at Jammu airport will be built at a cost of Rs 600 crore.
“The decision will provide economic boost as well as employment opportunities in both the divisions. The Center is implementing schemes in the union territory to ensure sustainable economic growth and development of each region,” he said.
The Union Civil Aviation Minister emphasized that his ministry and the officials of J&K are working on increasing maximum flight operations to cater to the growing tourism, industry sectors of the UT.
“Necessary steps will also be taken on priority basis to increase the helicopter services, especially in the far flung districts of the UT on the lines of Uttarakhand,” he said.
Speaking about the cargo facility being built in the Union Territory at an estimated cost of Rs 15 crore, Scindia said that it would be ready soon and would facilitate the traders and business community of the Union Territory.
Regarding the long pending demand for Paid Premium Lounge at Srinagar Airport, the Union Minister said that again a tender will be floated to invite a party to build it and it is expected that the Premium Lounge will come up soon.
(with agency input)
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