The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Tuesday approved a Rs 1,677 crore proposal for the expansion and development of the civil enclave at Srinagar International Airport, aimed at strengthening air connectivity and infrastructure in the Kashmir Valley.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to an official statement, the project envisages the construction of a new integrated terminal building and associated infrastructure, along with barracks for security personnel. The airport is operated by the Airports Authority of India within the Budgam airbase of the Indian Air Force. It was designated as an international airport in 2005 and is located around 12 km from the city centre.
Spread over 73.18 acres, the proposed civil enclave will have a terminal building with a total built-up area of 71,500 square metres, including 20,659 square metres of the existing structure. It is designed to handle 2,900 passengers during peak hours and cater to an annual capacity of 10 million passengers.
The expansion plan includes augmentation of the apron to accommodate 15 aircraft parking bays — nine existing and six proposed — including one Code E bay for widebody aircraft. The 3,658-metre-long and 45-metre-wide runway will continue to be operated by the IAF. A multi-level car parking facility with space for about 1,000 vehicles will also be developed.
Officials said the new terminal will incorporate design elements inspired by Kashmir’s cultural heritage while ensuring modern passenger amenities, streamlined processing, and enhanced security systems.
The project also lays emphasis on sustainability, with provisions for water harvesting, energy-efficient systems, and the use of eco-friendly materials. It is targeted to achieve a 5-star rating under the Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA).
The government said the expansion is expected to support tourism and economic activity in the region by improving access to major attractions such as Dal Lake, Shankaracharya Temple and the Mughal Gardens, besides generating employment during construction and operation phases.(KNS).
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