Ladakh Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Tuesday said there is currently no scope for operating large aircraft at Kargil Airport due to runway constraints, though smaller planes could be introduced after necessary upgrades, subject to commercial viability.
Speaking to reporters here before concluding his four-day tour of the district, Saxena said he inspected the airport — located 6 km from the main town and operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF) — following repeated public demand for its operationalisation.
“After holding a detailed discussion with officials, including IAF representatives, I came to know that the runway, measuring about 6,000 feet, is short, narrow, and in a worn-out condition, making it unsuitable for large aircraft operations. Even with a possible extension of up to 3,000 feet, operational challenges would remain,” he said.He added that the landing approach requires a difficult turn for large aircraft, while a mountain ahead poses a challenge during takeoff. Operations are currently feasible only from one side, further limiting viability.
The Lt Governor said the runway requires complete resurfacing before any civilian operations can begin.
Outlining a way forward, Saxena said smaller aircraft with 19 or 26 seats could be introduced once the runway is upgraded, but stressed that even this would depend on commercial viability.
“No private airline will invest unless there is sufficient passenger traffic. Once demand builds up, operations can be scaled accordingly,” he said.
Clarifying a common perception, he said the airport’s non-operational status is not due to reluctance on the part of the IAF.
“The Air Force is ready, and civil authorities are also prepared. The main requirement is to ensure commercial viability,” he said.
Describing his Kargil visit as “highly successful,” the Lt Governor highlighted major initiatives taken by his administration in infrastructure, employment, environmental protection, and rural development.
He said significant progress was observed at the Zojila Tunnel project, expressing confidence that a breakthrough would be achieved soon.
He stressed the need to improve marketing and processing of Ladakh’s apricots, stating that despite being among the best in quality globally, the lack of proper packaging and processing limits their market reach.
Saxena also called for modernising Pashmina production through improved spinning, weaving, and design support, with plans to involve the National Institute of Design.
Emphasising environmental sustainability, he announced the launch of a plantation drive under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative and the “Ladakh Trans-Himalayan Cold Desert Urban Forestry and Food Initiative” aimed at enhancing food security in the cold desert region.
He raised serious concerns over pollution in the main river passing through Kargil, warning that unchecked discharge of wastewater could turn it into a drain. He suggested the installation of decentralised sewage treatment plants (DSTPs) and small STPs, citing successful implementation in Delhi as a model.
On urban infrastructure, the Lt Governor acknowledged issues in the Kargil market, including poor condition, lack of parking, and overhead cables and said he had directed authorities to develop multi-level parking facilities and shift cables underground through a comprehensive plan.
In a major employment boost, he said around 200 appointment letters were distributed, with more in the pipeline. He reiterated that all government vacancies in Ladakh would be filled in a time-bound manner, with departmental promotions to be completed by the end of the month.
The Lt Governor also announced the launch of the “Him Sarovar” project under which ponds are being constructed in 50 villages to address water scarcity, with plans to expand to all 198 panchayats.
He said a Green Corridor project will be launched soon with riverbank development, and announced the resolution of long-pending issues related to expired lease deeds.