SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday chaired a meeting at the Civil Secretariat to review the functioning of the Civil Aviation Department, focusing on the completion of projects under the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
The meeting was attended by Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary Dheeraj Gupta, Secretary Civil Aviation Aijaz Asad, AAI representatives, and the Directors of Srinagar and Jammu Airports. Discussions covered topics including the department’s aircraft fleet, helicopter services, pilot training, recruitment, and financial progress under Capex and Revex budgets.
Chief Minister Abdullah directed officials to expand the subsidised helicopter service, which currently connects five routes in Jammu and Kashmir, to include point-to-point connections in remote areas. He emphasised ensuring proper utilisation and sufficient passenger loads for each flight.
A review of RCS-UDAN scheme projects was conducted, with updates from the Directors of Jammu and Srinagar Airports. The Director of Jammu Airport provided information on the New Civil Enclave Project, valued at Rs 861.37 crore, with Rs 697.83 crore approved. The project, which is 16 per cent complete as of November, will include a terminal with a peak-hour passenger capacity of 2,000 and an annual capacity of 4.5 million passengers.
The project will also include infrastructure such as fire and water pump rooms, landscaping, water and sewage treatment plants, and parking for 250 vehicles. The Chief Minister called for the completion of land acquisition, particularly land currently held by the Animal Husbandry Department, to ensure the project is finished by the AAI.
Cost issues affecting hangar and annex building projects were discussed, and the Chief Minister sought suggestions to address delays and ensure project delivery. Abdullah stated the government’s focus on improving civil aviation infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir to improve connectivity and economic development.
