Civilian flights from Udhampur to begin in 6-7 months: Dr Jitendra Singh
Jammu, Jan 22: Union Minister of State in PMO Dr Jitendra Singh on Thursday announced that civilian flights would commence with an interim terminal building within the Air Force Station, Udhampur, in next six months or so.
He was chairing a high-level meeting to review the progress of operationalising civilian air services from Udhampur.
The Union Minister said that the close coordination between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) was underway to expedite the process. He informed that, with existing facilities and interim arrangements, flight operations were targeted to be operationalised within the next 6–7 months.
Dr Jitendra, who is also the Union Minister of State (independent charge) Science & Technology besides being the MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, highlighted that the Chenab region received focussed attention after 2014, with close monitoring by the Prime Minister, reflecting the government’s initiative for inclusive and regional development.
The Union Minister thanked the Prime Minister for his sustained focus on development and for fulfilling the promise to uplift the downtrodden and remote regions, ensuring multiple connectivity options for the Chenab belt.
Highlighting the multiple benefits of enhanced air connectivity, he said the initiative would significantly ease travel and increase socio-economic activity across the entire Chenab region, benefiting four districts in particular.
He added that similar connectivity initiatives were being taken up in Kishtwar under the UDAAN scheme, further expanding regional access.
Dr Jitendra pointed out that Udhampur was emerging as a major connectivity hub, with multimodal options including air, railways and road.
He said, “The Udhampur Railway Station has been developed as an Amrit Railway Station and the region is also being connected through an express corridor, enabling convenient travel to Delhi and other major cities.”
Describing the meeting as a milestone, the Union Minister said, “The decisions taken today will pave the way for the successful commencement of flight operations.”
He thanked officials from all concerned departments for their coordinated efforts and assured continued monitoring to ensure timely execution of the project.
Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Sameer Kumar Sinha; Secretary, Civil Aviation, Government of J&K, Naveen S L; Chairman Airports Authority of India, Vipin Kumar; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar and Executive Director (Planning), Nandita Bhatt besides other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
