Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh said the proposed civil airport at Udhampur is expected to become operational in the coming months, after a tender for the construction of the airport terminal was floated nearly three weeks ago. He made the announcement while addressing a special public outreach campaign and public welfare camp in Udhampur. The minister indicated that completion of required formalities would allow the issuing of the work order for terminal construction.

The planned facility, described by officials as a civil airport, is intended to expand scheduled air connectivity for the district and surrounding areas and to reduce travel time to key urban centres. Local authorities have highlighted potential gains in tourism facilitation, emergency medical evacuation and business travel as reasons for prioritising the project. The tendering for the terminal is a significant procedural milestone that precedes physical mobilisation on site. Officials said the project aligns with regional development plans and complements existing investments in road and rail links.

Sources within the administration said that statutory clearances and final technical approvals remain part of the preconstruction checklist and are being pursued alongside contractual processes. Contractors will be required to comply with technical specifications and environmental safeguards set out in the tender documents before work begins. Public consultations and compliance with construction norms form part of the standard process prior to major infrastructure works. Officials expect that once the work order is issued, preparatory work including site mobilisation and contractor onboarding will follow.

Local stakeholders welcomed the progress, noting that an operational airport would bolster economic activity and enhance access for residents and visitors alike. Authorities are monitoring timelines closely to ensure that the project advances without undue delay while meeting safety and regulatory standards. The announcement marks a visible step in broader efforts to improve transport infrastructure across the region.