Srinagar, Sept 27: With an aim to boost tourism in order to popularise Jammu and Kashmir’s beauty, Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced that two new airports will be built in Jammu and Kashmir soon.

 

 

The Minister said that the airport worth Rs. 1,500 crore would be built on 25,000 square metres in Kashmir, while another worth Rs. 650 crore will be built on 22,000 square metres in Jammu. "A special emphasis is being placed on the development of both air and road connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, a major road network, comprising highways, ring roads, tunnels, and other projects, is being built throughout the state," he said.

 

 

The improved connectivity will bring more tourists to J&K and encourage local crafts. By promoting tourism and crafts, it will increase economic activity and prosperity in J&K.

 

The Minister stated, "An era of peace, growth, and development has already begun in Jammu and Kashmir under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, and that all three areas, including Ladakh, are on track to become the country’s leader in construction and development. His ministry and the UT Government are trying to increase the maximum number of flight operations to meet the UT’s rising tourism, economic, and development aspirations."

 

 

Meanwhile, various announcements have been made to boost the aviation infrastructure in the J&K Union Territory, following detailed deliberations between Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Jyotiraditya Scindia. Sinha said the Union Minister and J&K government have agreed to start the first international flight between Srinagar – Sharjah, putting an end to the UT’s long-standing desire for direct international connectivity.