Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha on Thursday announced that the facility of night landing, and direct flights to major cities in India, and Dubai andKuala Lumpur, will be made available for the Srinagar airport.
Speaking at the ‘Ideas Summit’ organised by the Foundation for Resource Development and Education (FRDE), in Srinagar, Mr. Sinha said, “I have instructed thatnight landing should be made available at the Srinagar airport as soon as possible to increase connectivity. We will install approach lights for safer landing during low visibility.”
The move is bound to increase footfalls of tourists in the peak season, which sees only 40 flights landing in Srinagar.
“With the facility, there will more flights in winters and summers. It means more tourists, more business and more partners,” said the Union Minister.
Mr. Sinha spoke of international flights from the Srinagar airport to Dubai and Kuala Lumpur to grow businesses in Kashmir. “We will do our level best to enable Srinagar to connect with these places,” he added.
In a bid to increase footfalls of domestic tourists, Mr. Sinha said major cities like Ahmedabad, Chennai and Hyderabad will be connected with Srinagar directly.
Within J&K, the Aviation Minister promised to connect far-off tourist destinations via a chopper service.
“Kashmir has incredible natural resources. Providing unique experiences to tourists is the key to boost tourism. We are planning to have smaller plans for newer destinations,” said Mr. Sinha.
The Centre is also planning to upgrade cargo facilities in Srinagar for the export of fruits and flowers. “Cold storage facility will be expanded to help businessmensend products across the country,” said Mr. Sinha.
Mr. Sinha said the feasibility for a civilian airport in Srinagar — the present facility is managed by the Indian Air Force — and new airports in north and south Kashmir, “are also under consideration.”
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Finance and Labour and Employment Dr. Haseeb A. Drabu said logistics is going to be a big thrust area and it will become a force multiplier for all businesses in J&K.
“Kashmir as a tourism destination is pre-sold and all it needs to attract huge tourist numbers is a peaceful atmosphere. The day you say with confidence that the situation is peaceful, tourists will flood to the valley. Younger people have a much bigger stake in peace and you must contribute in building a sustainable peace in J&K,” he said.
