Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/DEHRADUN
A review meeting of the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Department was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan to assess the progress of ongoing aviation infrastructure projects and air connectivity enhancement across the state.
During the meeting, Chief Secretary Bardhan sought updates on the status of existing air services and the development and expansion of airports and runways. He emphasized the state government’s commitment to strengthening air connectivity to boost tourism, improve accessibility in remote regions, and support economic development.
The District Magistrates of Dehradun and Udham Singh Nagar apprised the meeting of the progress in the expansion of Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport and Pantnagar Airport. The Chief Secretary directed both officials to ensure speedy completion of pending work, particularly the land acquisition and clearance processes.
Addressing the development of Pithoragarh Airport, the Chief Secretary instructed the District Magistrate to prepare a comprehensive operational structure plan. He suggested deploying personnel through deputation from the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and supplementing the workforce through outsourcing from other agencies to ensure smooth operations.
Highlighting the need for technical assessments, Bardhan directed that the load-bearing capacity of the tunnel near the Pithoragarh Airport be tested by IIT Roorkee or another qualified high-tech institute before further expansion work is undertaken.
Furthermore, the Chief Secretary instructed the Director General of Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UKADA) to present a detailed report in the next meeting outlining the current status and future roadmap of aviation-related projects in the state.
Secretary Aviation Sachin Kurve, DG UKADA Mrs. Sonika, and DM Dehradun Savin Bansal attended the meeting in person, while the District Magistrates of Udham Singh Nagar and Pithoragarh joined via video conferencing.
