Jammu, Jul 10 (KNO): The ambitious expansion of Jammu airport, estimated to cost Rs 861 crore, is targeted for completion by 2026. Currently, the construction of the security wall is nearing completion, while work on the terminal building and parking facilities is underway.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the terminal building during his visit to Jammu in February 2024. The project involves the clearance of about 30 buildings belonging to the Animal Husbandry Department on the new land designated for the airport expansion. Although some of these buildings have been removed, several, including poultry farms, remain in place.
The Animal Husbandry Department has been allocated land in Chattha in exchange for the airport expansion land. Despite this, the department has been slow to vacate its buildings. In April 2024, Civil Aviation Department (CAD) Secretary Mohammad Ejaz Asad requested the Animal Husbandry Department to expedite the vacating process, but progress has been sluggish. While the cattle farm has been relocated to Chattha, the poultry farm remains operational, delaying further construction.
“The work of expansion of Jammu airport is being carried out by a Chandigarh-based company,” said Dr. Waheeda, Director of the Animal Husbandry Department. “Most of the buildings have been vacated, but the poultry farm is still there. We have informed the government about this. I do not know how many buildings are left there.”
Airport Director SK Garg added, “The work of expansion of the airport is ongoing. The government and the airport management have asked the Animal Husbandry Department to vacate the buildings as soon as possible. The work on the terminal building is in progress, and by the time the work on the second building starts, the remaining buildings will be removed.”
The expansion includes the construction of a civil enclave and a new terminal building that will span 56,693 square meters. The terminal building itself will cover 40,000 square meters, significantly enhancing the airport's capacity to handle up to 2,000 passengers—(KNO)