Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/NEW DELHI
In a bid to improve Uttarakhand’s aviation infrastructure and regional connectivity, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu in New Delhi today. They held detailed discussions on expanding air services, boosting tourism, and strengthening strategic connectivity in the hill state.
CM Dhami apprised the Union Minister that the Uttarakhand government has already transferred 524.78 acres of land to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the expansion of Pantnagar Airport’s runway from 1,372 meters to 3,000 meters. The master plan for the airport, he noted, has been prepared by AAI, and he urged for the immediate start of construction.
Seeking further improvements, CM Dhami called for the expansion of Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport and requested an extension of night operations until midnight, which would increase passenger convenience and regional access.
Under the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, the Chief Minister proposed launching regular air services between Naini Saini Airport (Pithoragarh) and Delhi, along with extending watch duty hours to enable night operations. Emphasizing Pithoragarh’s strategic importance—bordering both Tibet and Nepal—he stressed the need for enhanced air connectivity for national security and public welfare.
To promote local products, Dhami also requested the setting up of ‘House of Himalaya’ stalls at airports in Dehradun, Pantnagar, and Pithoragarh.
Additionally, the CM proposed direct flight routes from Dehradun to Haldwani, Pantnagar, and Nagpur, and urged the initiation of international flights from Jolly Grant Airport. He also requested operationalization of airstrips at Chinyalisaur and Gauchar after site inspections.
Union Minister Naidu assured prompt and positive action on all proposals, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to Uttarakhand’s aviation development.
