Kargil to get air connectivity soon

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has played yet another googly in Lok Sabha, this time by announcing direct civilian flights to Kargil as a part of the Prime Minister’s ambitious UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) Scheme.

The government has also approved a budget of Rs 9.2 crore for the airport, but as of now only small 19-seater aircraft would be able to operate due to various challenges like runway conditions, terrain and landing protocols.

While speaking in Lok Sabha, the minister also informed that some electrical work was already completed. 

The Airport Authority of India (AAI) had sought the advice of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to operate large aircraft like the Boeing B737s or Airbus A320s at Kargil. But due to the challenging and hostile geo-tropical conditions the operation of large aircraft is impossible at the existing airstrip, ICAO informed. 

The minister, while speaking during the Question Hour, also informed that if ay airlines express interest to operate flights between Srinagar-Kargil or Jammu-Kargil then the government is ready to provide full infrastructural support. He further stressed that government plans to initiate the route as soon as possible. 

Currently, Kargil is accessible only by roads either by a Taxi or a bus. The main pass between Srinagar and Kargil is blocked by snow mostly from November to May, but the roads from Kargil and Drass are open throughout the year with a travel time of approximately one-and-a-half to two hours. 

However, there is a domestic airport at Leh and the road between Kargil and Leh is also open throughout the year. But with the new airport in Kargil, the travel time will be cut down by four hours. 

As India recently relived the memories of Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, the news of the forelone town getting air connectivity has sent ripples of excitement in the travel and tourism industry.

The author is a freelance journalist covering stories related to aviation, aerospace and MRO