CM Pushkar Singh Dhami called on Union Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu here today. In the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the development of the aviation sector in the state, improving air connectivity, and promoting tourism of Uttarakhand. The Chief Minister informed that a total of 524.78 acres of land has been transferred by the Government of Uttarakhand to the Airport Authority of India for increasing the runway length of Pantnagar Airport from 1,372 meters to 3,000 meters.
The master plan of the Pantnagar airport has been prepared by the Airports Authority of India. He requested the Union Minister to direct the Airports Authority of India to start the work in principle. The Chief Minister requested the Union Civil Aviation Minister to extend the expansion and night operations of Jolly Grant Airport till midnight. With this step of the government, more passengers will get the benefit of air services. The Chief Minister said that under the Regional Connectivity Scheme, regular air services from Nainisaini Airport (Pithoragarh) to Indira Gandhi International Airport (New Delhi) under (RCS UDAN) have been requested. This will benefit locals as well. Also, with the approval of RCS UDAN, the commencement of air service from Pithoragarh to Dharchula and from Pithoragarh to Munsiyari will greatly facilitate the local people.
He said that in view of the night operation at Naini Saini Airport, the watch extension of the airport should be increased so that more passengers can take advantage of the aircraft service. The Chief Minister said that Pithoragarh is a remote district of Uttarakhand, where air connectivity will be very useful for the movement of local people. Pithoragarh district is also very sensitive from the security point of view as it borders Tibet (China) and Nepal.
The Chief Minister requested the Union Aviation Minister to open ‘House of Himalayas’ stalls at Dehradun, Pithoragarh and Pantnagar airports to promote local products. The Chief Minister also urged to start direct air services to Dehradun Haldwani, Dehradun Pantnagar and Dehradun Nagpur and international air services from Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun). The Chief Minister requested the Union Minister to initiate action to operate air service by inspecting Chinyalisaur and Gauchar airstrip. The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu assured positive action on all the proposals. Department of Information and Public Relations