Imagine soaring through the skies, catching glimpses of the majestic Himalayas, and landing in the heart of Kargil, a region steeped in history and breathtaking landscapes. This vision is set to become a reality as the Indian government takes decisive steps to introduce civilian flight services to Kargil, ensuring that only 19-seater aircraft will navigate its unique terrain. Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu recently shared exciting updates in the Lok Sabha, shedding light on the government’s ambitious plans to connect this remote yet significant region under the UDAN scheme.
Kargil’s Airport To Welcome 19-Seater Flights
The Indian government is certainly making significant efforts to initiate civilian flight services to Kargil. However, only 19-seater aircraft can be operated there due to the constraints posed by the existing runway. The challenging terrain and stringent landing and take-off protocols will pose challenges for other aircraft. Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu shared this information with the Lok Sabha on Thursday, as per Business Standard reports.
The minister highlighted that efforts are underway with airlines to consider starting civilian flights to Kargil under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme. It also aims to enhance regional air connectivity across India. The government has allocated ₹9.2 crore for the development of the Kargil airport. Some electrical works have also been completed already.
According to Business Standard, Naidu emphasised the government’s commitment to starting civilian flights to Kargil as soon as possible. He mentioned that if any airline is willing to provide connectivity from Kargil to either Srinagar or Jammu, the government is prepared to complete the remaining tasks to facilitate these services.
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Government’s Big Move For Regional Connectivity
In 2021, a multi-disciplinary team consisting of officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Indian Air Force, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) visited several sites in Ladakh, including Wakha Kargil, Turtuk, Diskit, Nyoma, and Padum/Zanskar. They assessed their suitability for airport construction. Unfortunately, none of these sites were deemed suitable for building airports.
Additionally, upon the request of the Ladakh Administration, AAI engaged the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). They studied the feasibility of operating larger aircraft, such as Boeing 737 and Airbus 320, at the existing Kargil airport. According to Business Standard, the ICAO’s study concluded that operating such narrow-body planes on the current airstrip is not feasible.
Despite these challenges, the government remains dedicated to improving air connectivity in Kargil.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva