As a part of the infrastructural development and smooth connectivity, the central government has given their approval for the expansion of three airports in Jammu and Kashmir. The government has sanctioned Rs 1000 crore for the same and the work is likely to be completed by 2022.
According to Govt. officials, the move will help in connecting the state seamlessly with other parts of the country. The sanctioned amount will be spent over the next three years.
As informed, the Airport Authority of India (AAI) has already kick-started the development work for the expansion of the runway at one of the airport. They have also asked for extra land for the development from the state government.
Sources from the ministry said, “The government has passed a new terminal at LEH and expansion of Srinagar Terminal recently. The deadline for both the projects is 2022.”
The Leh terminal will be developed at an expected cost of Rs 480 crore and the government is trying to start its operations by September 2021. The terminal will be constructed in an area of 18000 sqm and have a passenger capacity of 1.6 million per annum.
Moreover, for the expansion of Srinagar Terminal Rs 495 crore has been set aside while for a runway extension at Jammu Airport an additional Rs 77 crore has been kept.
Earlier, after the announcement of Ladakh as new UT, the government has included Leh in the list of smart city mission. One of the popular tourist destinations of the country, lots of development works is needed to have better infrastructural facilities for the residents as well as the tourist too. Construction of the new terminal will boost the tourism sector of the city.