The much expected Jammu Airport expansion seems to have gone in a limbo. With the increase in air traffic to the city, the State Government in 2011 sanctioned Rs 70 crore as part of the expansion plan to increase runway length, passenger holding capacity from 200 to 700 and expansion of airport building, including a cafeteria. Today all these proposals seem to have gone into cold storage. Even a small airport like the one in Bhuntar in Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh has better ambiance and passenger capacity and facilities. With no civil vehicle allowed to enter, the incoming and outgoing passengers have tough time as they have to walk all the distance for security check and same is the for passengers coming out of the airport they have to drag their luggage all the way to the so called exit gate or the vehicles waiting on the roadside. Because of short runway it is both nightmare for pilots and passengers as most of the flights operate with less weight and passengers for safety reasons. Not only this airport is not prepared to face any emergency situation with a short and rough runway the landings and take offs are mostly bumpy and tricky. Since this is the entry point for any person coming from outside, the first impression they carry will have a lasting effect on the much featured hospitality of the region. Hope when State Government talks about creating smart and modern cities it should ensure airport expansion and facilities at the railway station and bus stand also come up to that level. On the contrary Srinagar Airport has seen the much needed expansion and the nomenclature has been changed from domestic to international by introducing Haj flights. Why is that during all this period Jammu Airport expansion remained relegated. If space is a constrain Govt should look for the same somewhere in Samba District which today is no far from Jammu with highway coming up and leave this airport for security forces and government flights.
