Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir will soon be among the select cities in the country where travelers will have fast and easy connectivity via air, rail, and highways. Union Minister (Prime Minister’s Office) Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the region has been developed on a priority basis over the past decade, with Udhampur now emerging as an important transit hub.
Following a high-level review meeting regarding the opening of the Udhampur Airfield Station for civilian flights, Dr. Jitendra Singh announced that air services for general passengers will commence within the next six to seven months. Initially, flights will operate from a temporary terminal to be constructed within the Air Force Station premises, utilizing existing infrastructure.
He said that Udhampur’s geographical location makes it a strategic city. In the future, people will be able to avail themselves of all three options: the Vande Bharat Train, the Delhi-Katra Expressway, and air service. Work on the expressway project is progressing rapidly, and upon completion, the journey to the capital, Delhi, will be significantly reduced.
The Union Minister stated that the Vande Bharat Train’s stop at Udhampur was not initially planned, but this arrangement was made considering local needs. Similarly, a long-pending proposal to start air service from Udhampur has now been finalized.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also clarified that Udhampur will not be limited to a temporary facility, but will instead develop a full-fledged airport.
Approximately 28 acres of land has been identified around the airfield, and the acquisition process is underway. According to the plan, a full-fledged airport with a modern terminal building will be ready within the next three years.
He stated that the Jammu and Kashmir UT administration has taken a positive stance on this project and has assured all necessary support, including providing land.
The resumption of air services is expected to directly benefit not only Udhampur but also several districts in the Chenab region. This will facilitate access to trade, tourism, education, and healthcare services, and boost economic activity in the region.
Dr. Jitendra Singh noted that Udhampur has received several significant development projects in recent years.
The district’s government medical college, radio station, improved road network, and railway station developed under the Amrit Bharat Abhiyan are key examples of this.
Kaladi has been granted a GI tag to promote local products and livelihoods, while lavender cultivation is being encouraged in the Latti and Basantgarh areas, boosting the rural economy.
Earlier, the Union Minister met with officials from the Indian Air Force, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Airports Authority of India, and the Jammu and Kashmir administration to review the project’s progress. The meeting discussed in detail the technical and administrative aspects related to the resumption of civilian flights.
The Union Minister expressed confidence that with the development of multi-level connectivity in Udhampur, the district will become one of the major growth centres of Jammu and Kashmir in the coming years.
