CM urges Centre to expedite Pantnagar airport runway expansion

Dehradun: Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday urged Union civil aviation minister Kinjarapu Ramamohan Naidu to expedite various aviation projects in the state, aimed at improving air connectivity and promoting tourism.
In a high-level meeting focused on aviation development, Dhami highlighted the state govt's efforts, including the transfer of 524.7 acres of land to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the expansion of the Pantnagar Airport runway. The project seeks to extend the runway from 1,372 m to 3,000 m.
Dhami also requested the expansion of Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport, and the extension of its nighttime operations until midnight. "The extended operational hours will benefit more passengers with air services," he said.
Dhami also called for regular flight services under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS UDAN) between Naini Saini Airport in Pithoragarh and Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. He also proposed introducing air services from Pithoragarh to Dharchula and Munsyari, noting that it would greatly facilitate local travel. The CM also suggested extending the watch hours at Naini Saini Airport for nighttime operations.
Emphasising Pithoragarh's strategic location along the Indo-China and India-Nepal borders, Dhami highlighted the importance of enhanced air connectivity for both aviation development and national security.
The CM also urged the Centre to promote local products by establishing ‘House of Himalayas' stalls at Dehradun, Pithoragarh, and Pantnagar airports, and called for the commencement of international flight services from Jolly Grant Airport. He also proposed direct air services from Dehradun to Haldwani, Dehradun to Pantnagar, and Dehradun to Nagpur, and sought inspections of airstrips at Chinyalisaur and Gauchar. The Union minister assured positive action on all proposals.