NEW DELHI: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu on Tuesday to discuss the development of Uttarakhand’s aviation sector and explore ways to enhance regional connectivity and tourism.
During the meeting, CM Dhami highlighted that the Uttarakhand government has transferred 524.78 acres of land to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the expansion of Pantnagar Airport. The proposal aims to extend the runway from 1,372 meters to 3,000 meters. He urged the Union Minister to direct the AAI to initiate construction work as per the finalized master plan.
The Chief Minister also proposed the expansion of Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and requested that night flight operations be extended until midnight to accommodate increasing passenger traffic.
Emphasizing the importance of regional air connectivity, CM Dhami urged the Union Minister to commence regular flights between Naini Saini Airport in Pithoragarh and Delhi under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme. He further proposed new air routes connecting Pithoragarh to Dharchula and Munsyari, citing their significance for the local population and tourism.
Highlighting Pithoragarh’s strategic location near the borders of China (Tibet) and Nepal, Dhami underlined the need for improved air connectivity to strengthen both civilian and security-related infrastructure. He also requested an extension of operating hours at Naini Saini Airport to enable night operations.
Additionally, the Chief Minister suggested the establishment of ‘House of Himalayas’ stalls at Dehradun, Pithoragarh, and Pantnagar airports to promote local handicrafts and products. He also called for direct air connectivity between Dehradun and Haldwani, Pantnagar, and Nagpur, along with the launch of international flight operations from Jolly Grant Airport.
Dhami further requested an inspection of the Chinyalisaur and Gauchar airstrips, with a view to initiating air services from these locations as well.
Union Minister Naidu assured that all the proposals will be considered positively, and necessary action will be taken to enhance air connectivity in Uttarakhand.
