Srinagar, Oct 28: In a significant step towards enhancing regional connectivity, a high-level team from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) will visit Kishtwar on October 28 to evaluate the feasibility of a proposed airport under the Centre’s UDAN scheme.
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh announced the development, calling it a “landmark moment” in realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to link remote and hilly areas of Jammu and Kashmir through affordable air travel.
“The government is committed to ensuring that no part of the country remains cut off from progress. Kishtwar, with its growing potential in hydropower and tourism, deserves modern air connectivity — and the process has now formally begun,” Dr Singh said as per an official statement.
According to officials in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, a five-member expert team will conduct a two-day field study beginning Monday. The team will assess terrain challenges, technical feasibility, and infrastructure requirements before submitting a detailed report to the ministry in New Delhi.
An Airports Authority of India (AAI) official said the proposed site, near the Chaugan ground in Kishtwar, is under active consideration. “The idea is to establish a small but fully equipped airstrip capable of handling regional flights throughout the year. This will bring Kishtwar closer to Jammu, Srinagar, and other key destinations,” the official said.
The project has been officially included in the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, aimed at boosting regional air connectivity by making travel more affordable and accessible.
“The inclusion of Kishtwar in the UDAN network reflects the government’s commitment to balanced development,” Dr Singh said in an official statement. “Once operational, this airport will not only benefit tourists and traders but also provide vital emergency and administrative access to the district.”
Officials noted that the airport initiative complements Kishtwar’s transformation into North India’s “power hub,” driven by a cluster of hydroelectric projects including Pakal Dul, Kiru, and Ratle.
The proposal for an airport in Kishtwar was first put forward by Dr Singh in January 2018. The forthcoming feasibility study marks a major step forward after years of procedural delays.
A senior J&K government official said, “The AAI team’s visit underlines the seriousness of the project. The airport will be a game-changer for the Chenab Valley, spurring economic activity, tourism, and social mobility.”
The assessment report is expected within a month, after which the Ministry of Civil Aviation will take a final call on the project’s technical and financial viability.
If approved, the Kishtwar airport will become the first airstrip in the Chenab Valley, ushering in a new era of connectivity and development for the region.
