The wait for the modified and expanded Jammu Airport will be over by June next year as the authorities have speed up work.
The airport authorities have directed the construction agencies to complete the expansion and upgrade work of the Jammu Airport by June 2016.
The airport, which was ranked the 27th busiest airport of the country, needs immediate upgrade as the flow of air traffic and passengers have increased manifold in the past few years.
The Centre had proposed expansion and upgrade of the airport to increase its landing surface and passenger-holding capacity from 200 to 700. It had sanctioned Rs 70 crore for the airport in 2011.
Airport officials said the extension and modification of the terminal building at the Jammu Airport was going on in full swing and the passengers travelling to and from the airport shall soon have enhanced facilities.
After the completion of the work, the area for passenger movement will be get doubled, both in the arrival and departure halls. The airport terminal building will have more shopping facility, the canopy from the approach road in front of the terminal building up to the exit gate will be covered and three aerobridges will be installed.
The authorities have also made a provision for reliable power supply as over Rs 2 crore have been given to the Power Development Department for providing 33 KVA dedicated line to the airport.
The authorities said they had forwarded requests to the authorities for expediting the extension of operation hours, enabling the airport to operate more flights and reduce peak-time congestion.
The airport has also requested the government to hand over 1.25 acres of land free of cost along the old Peer-Baba road for widening, beautification of the approach road to the airport and extension of the runway by 1,300 foot.
Director, Jammu Airport, DK Goutam said: “We have directed the construction agencies to complete the new building by June 2016 and I will ensure its completion within the time frame.”
Jammu Airport expansion to be complete by June next year
