The Union Cabinet has approved a significant expansion of the civil enclave at Srinagar International Airport for Rs 1,677 crore. This goes beyond being a simply routine project but is an affirmation of confidence in a promising future for Jammu and Kashmir.
With this announcement of financing an enhancement to the valley’s infrastructure, this decision by Union Ministry will represent a landmark growth phase for this region.
The statistics demonstrate how grand this project will actually be. New civil enclave will sit on hundreds of acres and represent a state-of-the-art terminal building, with everything needed for a 21st-century airport, including modern technology and customer service.
Those who visit or travel to the Kashmir Valley as pilgrims, tourists, or business visitors generally will have their first impression of paradise on earth through the airplane window as they touch down in Budgam.
Until now, however, that first impression of their arrival has typically been through the experience of congestion. Now, that first-time visitor’s experience is about to change in the most spectacular manner.
This is not just an incremental change. This is a huge change in available capacity. The new terminal will handle close to 2900 passengers at peak times and an annual throughput of 10 million passengers.
This expansion will not only relieve congestion at the current airport but also connect the valley for years to come.
This expansion is in direct response to the dramatic increases in demand fueled by enterprising Kashmiri entrepreneurs and the timeless appeal of Kashmir.
This improved infrastructure includes a larger apron area with 15 wide-body aircraft parking spaces, will lead to something that has long been desired by all the people of Kashmir: the return and expansion of international flights.
The government will ensure that the new terminal is a combination of modern and traditional design while maintaining certain features that are a part of Kashmiri culture.
From intricate woodwork to local craftsmanship, this will create an impressive gateway to Kashmir, allowing visitors to experience an abundance of Kashmiri culture as soon as they step off the plane.
