The way has been cleared for the much-needed expansion of the strategically important Jammu Airport to establish a new civil enclave and terminal building that would have the capacity to manage 4.5 million passengers annually, which is nearly four times its current capability. The government had intended to enlarge the airport by approximately 57,000 sq m to meet the targeted passenger capacity of 4.5 million per annum, which is roughly around 1.2 million passengers. It was also mentioned that invitations for project tenders amounting to Rs 5.23 billion were extended to interested bidders for a complete overhaul of Jammu's civil airport. This overhaul would encompass the expansion of the visitor lounge and the enhancement of the airport's entrance. The design of the new terminal building of the Airport would align with the distinctive Dogra architectural style, maintaining its temple-like appearance to pay homage to Jammu's designation as the City of Temples. The official added that the new terminal building would also integrate the art and culture of Jammu, offering passengers an immersive experience and insight into these aspects, even within the exterior of the building. As outlined in the proposed project blueprint, the new Jammu airport would feature a state-of-the-art terminal building aimed at elevating passenger comfort. Additionally, there would be an elevated road to establish a connection between the departure and arrival levels within the planned terminal building. It's noteworthy that the Jammu airport is situated merely 14 km away from the international border between India and Pakistan. The city falls within the category of a high-security zone. At present, the airport manages approximately 48 operations on a daily basis, encompassing 24 landings and 24 take-offs. Its operational capacity per annum stands at 1.2 million passengers, marking a 50% increase in passenger traffic over the past five years. The Jammu airport, located in Jammu and Kashmir, serves as a central point for pilgrims journeying to the Vaishno Devi temple in Katra. Additionally, all routes leading to Kashmir, Doda, and Ladakh commence from Jammu city. Notably, Jammu stands as the most frequented destination within the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Also read:  LogiNext launches AI-powered financial module for logistics Haryana notifies policy for industrial clusters on farmland