Centre approves Rs 1,667 crore Srinagar airport expansion project

The Central government has approved a Rs 1,667 crore expansion project for Srinagar Airport, marking one of the largest aviation infrastructure investments in Jammu and Kashmir in recent years. The project includes a new integrated terminal building and supporting infrastructure aimed at strengthening passenger handling and operational capacity at the region's busiest airport.

The development was disclosed by Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu in the Rajya Sabha while responding to a question on airport projects, regional connectivity and employment generation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The announcement comes as the government continues to expand airport infrastructure and air connectivity across the Union Territory, while work on a new terminal building at Jammu Airport is already underway.

Expansion plan focuses on capacity and infrastructure

According to information shared by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in Parliament, the approved Srinagar Airport project covers a broad range of infrastructure works beyond passenger facilities.

Key components include:

• A new integrated terminal building
• Extension of the airport apron
• Residential quarters for Airports Authority of India personnel
• Barracks for Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) staff

The investment is expected to enhance airport operations while supporting future growth in passenger and cargo traffic.

The ministry also informed Parliament that plans for an interim terminal building at Udhampur Airport are currently under development. No airport project has yet been taken up in Kishtwar, according to the government.

Regional connectivity initiatives continue

The government highlighted progress under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN, which aims to improve access to underserved regions through subsidised air routes.

Naidu told the Rajya Sabha that two UDAN routes linking Jammu with Bathinda and Gwalior were operationalised in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

Key connectivity figures include:

• Two operational UDAN routes from Jammu
• Rs 39.86 crore disbursed as Viability Gap Funding (VGF)
• Routes connecting Jammu with Bathinda and Gwalior

The funding is intended to support route viability and improve regional air travel access.

Digital and cargo infrastructure receives attention

The government also outlined measures taken to modernise airport operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to the minister, Digi Yatra was implemented at both Jammu and Srinagar airports on March 29, 2026, enabling contactless passenger processing through facial recognition technology.

Both airports have also been included under the Krishi UDAN scheme, which seeks to improve air transportation of agricultural and perishable products.

Cargo infrastructure at the two airports includes:

Jammu Airport

• Dedicated cargo terminal spanning 680 square metres
• Annual handling capacity of 24,800 metric tonnes

Srinagar Airport

• Dedicated cargo terminal covering 1,125 square metres
• Annual handling capacity of 41,000 metric tonnes
• Cold storage facilities for perishable cargo

In addition, Srinagar Airport has an international air cargo facility measuring 480 square metres, with an annual handling capacity of 8,700 metric tonnes.

Aviation infrastructure gains strategic importance

The Srinagar airport expansion reflects the government's broader focus on strengthening aviation infrastructure in strategically important and high-growth regions. Improved terminal capacity, expanded apron space and enhanced cargo facilities are expected to support rising passenger demand, tourism activity and agricultural exports from Jammu and Kashmir.

With construction progressing at Jammu Airport and planning work underway for Udhampur, the region is set to witness continued investment in air transport infrastructure over the coming years.