Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today reviewed the progress of operationalising civilian air services from Udhampur, announcing that civilian flights will commence with an interim terminal building within the Air Force Station, Udhampur.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, Dr Jitendra Singh said that close coordination between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) is underway to expedite the process. He informed that, with existing facilities and interim arrangements, flight operations are targeted to be operationalised within the next 6–7 months.
The Minister highlighted that the Chenab region has received focused attention after 2014, with close monitoring by the Prime Minister, reflecting the Government’s initiative for inclusive and regional development.
Dr Jitendra Singh 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.
The Minister reiterated that a series of proactive meetings led by the Secretary, Civil Aviation have helped fast-track decisions and resolve inter-departmental issues.
Dr Jitendra Singh also shared that a proposal for acquisition of additional land is being pursued, with the support of the Omar Abdullah led UT Government, to enable the development of a full-fledged airport at Udhampur in the coming years. He expressed gratitude to the Indian Air Force for its cooperation and facilitation in enabling civilian operations from the defence airfield.
Highlighting the multiple benefits of enhanced air connectivity, the Minister said the initiative will significantly ease travel and increase socio-economic activity across the entire Chenab region, benefiting four districts in particular. He added that similar connectivity initiatives are being taken up in Kishtwar under the UDAAN scheme, further expanding regional access.
Dr Jitendra Singh pointed out that Udhampur is emerging as a major connectivity hub, with multimodal options including air, railways and road. He said that 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 Minister said the decisions taken today will pave the way for the successful commencement of flight operations. Dr Jitendra Singh 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, Sh. Sameer Kumar Sinha; Secretary, Civil Aviation, Government of J&K, Sh. Naveen S.L.; Chairman Airports Authority of India, Sh. Vipin Kumar; Sh. Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Sh. Ramesh Kumar and Executive Director (Planning), Ms Nandita Bhatt besides other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.