New Delhi: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences, and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, and Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced that the operationalisation of Udhampur airport has been finalised, while the proposed Kishtwar airport is being included under the “UDAN” regional connectivity scheme.
During a review of aviation plans for Jammu & Kashmir, Dr. Singh emphasised the importance of enhancing regional connectivity, providing affordable travel options to residents, and strengthening security. The meeting was attended by Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and Vipin Kumar, Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI), where the status of J&K aviation projects was examined, and a call was made to fast-track approvals and technical work.
Officials briefed that Udhampur airport could initially operate ATR 72-seater aircraft under the UDAN scheme, which would cap ticket fares at nearly half of prevailing market rates. This means a Delhi–Udhampur flight would be significantly cheaper than a Delhi–Jammu flight, providing an incentive even for passengers heading to Jammu.
Under UDAN, a substantial portion of the airfare will be subsidised through viability gap funding, making flights more affordable and providing relief to students and young professionals who often face high travel costs.
The AAI has agreed to develop the airport’s navigational and basic facilities without requiring additional land for initial operations, as apron space will be provided by defence authorities. The first phase of operations is expected within six months. Simultaneously, the Jammu & Kashmir government has been approached for additional land to construct a new terminal to accommodate larger aircraft.
Regarding Kishtwar, previous efforts to develop the airstrip faced land acquisition challenges. Fresh feasibility and land assessment studies are now underway under the UDAN scheme. Highlighting Kishtwar as an “Aspirational Agricultural District,” officials noted that an airport there would boost the local economy, particularly benefiting saffron cultivators and farmers by connecting them to wider markets. Dr. Singh said he would personally coordinate with the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary on land requisition matters and proposed a meeting with the Divisional Commissioner and AAI officials to accelerate progress.
Dr. Singh also reviewed the ongoing expansion of Jammu airport, being upgraded at a cost of around ₹860 crore, with completion expected by June 2026. The expansion will significantly enhance passenger handling capacity as part of a broader initiative to strengthen aviation infrastructure nationwide, alongside recent terminal openings in Patna and Pune, and Mumbai’s ongoing expansion.
Emphasising the broader impact, Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that improved air connectivity in Jammu & Kashmir is essential not only for passenger convenience but also for economic growth, tourism, and greater integration of the region with the national mainstream.
