Kargil airport to operate commercial flights

According to reports, the Kargil airport would soon be expanded to facilitate commercial flights by the end of 2019. Very soon, tenders will be floated for the INR 200 crore project. The plan to expand the Kargil airport for the purpose of commercial flights was sanctioned by Jammu and Kashmir Governor, Satya Pal Malik.
During the Kargil War in 1999, heavy shelling by Pakistan caused a lot of damage to the airstrip, and hence the Centre had to draw up a plan for an airport in this town. The members of the Airport Authority of India (AAI) had visited Kargil recently to confirm whether the project can be a success. The Kargil airport is currently being run by the Indian Air Force.


According to a report by the AAI, the runaway currently has a stretch of 6000 ft, running in the north-to-south direction. This runway has the scope of extension for a further 5000 ft. This would then be suitable for commercial flights. The 20th anniversary of the Kargil War (that was fought in 1999) was recently celebrated on July 26.
While the Kargil airport already has proper infrastructure such as the ATC tower that was developed by the AAI, its limited airstrip does not currently allow it to operate commercial flights. Governor Malik is aiming to change this, and improve the airstrip for commercial flights to Kargil. This would also boost tourism in the area that already is a favourite the travellers.