Efforts Underway to Start 19-Seater Civilian Flights to Kargil: Civil Aviation Minister

The government is striving to initiate civilian flight services to Kargil, with only 19-seater aircraft deemed feasible given the current airport infrastructure and terrain. The UDAN scheme is being leveraged for this initiative, and Rs 9.2 crore has been allocated for airport enhancements. Efforts are ongoing to commence services promptly.

The government is taking significant steps to begin civilian flight services to Kargil, said Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Thursday, addressing the Lok Sabha.

Naidu highlighted that due to the current Kargil airport's runway limitations and difficult terrain, only 19-seater aircraft can be operated. Efforts are underway with various airlines under the UDAN scheme to start these services.

An amount of Rs 9.2 crore has been sanctioned for airport improvements, and the necessary electrical work has already commenced. Despite previous surveys indicating other sites in Ladakh as unsuitable for airport construction, Naidu emphasized the government's commitment to providing civilian air connectivity from Kargil as soon as possible.

(With inputs from agencies.)