A proposal to acquire additional land is being pursued to enable the development of a full-fledged airport in Udhampur, with support from the Omar Abdullah-led government, the minister said while chairing a high-level review meeting in Udhampur.

The minister said that, with existing facilities and interim arrangements, flight operations are targeted to be operationalised within the next six to seven months. He also praised the close coordination between the Indian Air Force and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in accelerating the process.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Sameer Kumar Sinha; Secretary, Civil Aviation, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, Naveen S L; AAI Chairman Vipin Kumar; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar; and Executive Director (Planning) Nandita Bhatt, along with other dignitaries.

The minister highlighted that the Chenab region has received focused attention since 2014, with close monitoring by the prime minister, reflecting the government’s emphasis on inclusive and regional development. He added that a series of proactive meetings led by the Secretary, Civil Aviation has helped fast-track decisions and resolve inter-departmental issues.

Emphasising the benefits of improved air connectivity, the minister said the initiative would significantly ease travel and stimulate socio-economic activity across the Chenab region, particularly benefiting four districts. He added that similar connectivity initiatives are being implemented in Kishtwar under the UDAAN scheme, further expanding regional access.

The minister said Udhampur is emerging as a major connectivity hub, supported by multi-modal transport options including air, rail and road. He noted that the Udhampur railway station has been developed as an Amrit railway station, while the region is also being linked through an express corridor, enabling faster and more convenient travel to Delhi and other major cities.