Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a crucial meeting at the Civil Secretariat today to assess the functioning and progress of the Civil Aviation Department in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, Secretary Civil Aviation Aijaz Asad, as well as representatives from the Airports Authority of India and the Directors of Jammu and Srinagar Airports.
Key Areas of Discussion
The meeting focused on several important topics concerning the state’s civil aviation infrastructure, including the department’s aircraft fleet, revival plans, helicopter procurement, and pilot training initiatives. Abdullah also reviewed the budgetary allocations and financial progress under the Capital Expenditure (Capex) and Revenue Expenditure (Revex) budgets, aiming for greater efficiency and development within the sector.
A key highlight of the meeting was the ongoing subsidized helicopter service, which has been operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs since April 2017. Currently, the service connects five approved routes — three in the Jammu region and two in Kashmir. The Chief Minister directed officials to expand this service, with a particular focus on introducing point-to-point routes that would connect remote and far-flung areas, ensuring optimal utilization and sufficient passenger load for each flight.
Focus on Modernization and Economic Growth
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reiterated his commitment to modernizing civil aviation infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that enhancing connectivity through improved air services would play a crucial role in the region’s economic growth, particularly in boosting tourism, business, and other key sectors.
Additionally, the meeting included a review of ongoing projects under the Regional Connectivity Scheme-UDAN. Presentations were delivered by the Directors of Jammu and Srinagar Airports, outlining the current and future expansion plans for these critical facilities.
Jammu Airport’s Civil Enclave Project
The Director of Jammu Airport presented an update on the New Civil Enclave Project, detailing the project’s scope and progress. The total cost of the project is Rs 861.37 crore, with the approved cost standing at Rs 697.83 crore. As of November 2024, the physical progress achieved is 16%, while the financial progress stands at 14%.
The project will feature a centrally air-conditioned terminal building with a peak-hour passenger capacity of 2,000 and an annual capacity of 4.5 million passengers. Other critical infrastructure will include fire and water pump rooms, landscaping, water and sewage treatment plants, and parking facilities for up to 250 vehicles.
The Chief Minister stressed the need for swift land acquisition, particularly the vacating and transferring of land currently occupied by the Animal Husbandry Department. This is necessary to ensure the timely completion of the project by the Airports Authority of India.
Addressing Cost Escalations and Future Challenges
The meeting also discussed challenges related to cost escalations affecting the hangar and annex building projects. Abdullah emphasized the need to address these issues to avoid delays and keep the projects on track.
