Airport Expansion

The 81st meeting of the Network Planning Group in New Delhi under the PM GatiShakti initiative recently evaluated key infrastructure projects, including the expansion of Srinagar Airport. The meeting focused on the construction of a new integrated terminal building, which is expected to boost connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and promote sustainable development in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The upgraded Srinagar Airport, combined with other key projects, has the potential to transform Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism, trade, and overall infrastructure. One of the most direct impacts of the airport expansion will be on the tourism industry, which is counted among the vital pillars of J&K’s economy. The new terminal building will accommodate up to 10 million passengers annually. By increasing airport capacity, the region will be better positioned to accommodate the growing number of visitors during peak seasons. One of the recurring challenges faced by tourists and residents alike is the issue of soaring airfares during peak tourism periods and the winter months when road connectivity is often affected. Due to limited flight capacity and high demand, ticket prices often skyrocket, making travel to the Valley unaffordable for many. This price surge during popular tourism seasons and adverse winter weather conditions limits the region’s accessibility. The expansion of Srinagar Airport, with increased flight capacity and the ability to handle more airlines and passengers, is expected to help stabilise airfares. By increasing the supply of flights, the airport will be able to meet growing demand more effectively, reducing the pressure on airlines to hike prices during high-demand periods. Additionally, the inclusion of more parking bays and better airline handling facilities will encourage more airlines to operate in the Valley. This will eventually increase competition and further contribute to more reasonable airfare rates. The new terminal’s expansion also includes the extension of the apron with new parking bays and other auxiliary infrastructure, such as residential quarters for staff and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) barracks, which is bound to solidify Srinagar Airport as a modern, well-equipped transport hub. This improved connectivity will not only benefit tourists but also business travellers and traders, helping to integrate Jammu and Kashmir more seamlessly into national and global economic networks. The construction and subsequent operation of the new terminal will generate significant employment opportunities, both during the construction phase and afterwards. The expanded terminal will require additional staff for operations, security, hospitality, and maintenance, providing jobs to the local population. In addition, the improved tourist influx will lead to increased demand for hotels, restaurants, and transport services. With more tourists visiting the Valley, industries such as handicrafts and agriculture will benefit from a larger customer base. The new terminal building and improved facilities at Srinagar Airport will greatly enhance the ease of living for residents of Jammu and Kashmir. Better connectivity will make it easier for people to travel for work, education, and healthcare, particularly in emergencies when other modes of transport might be affected by adverse weather conditions on the national highway.