KARGIL – Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Vinai Kumar Saxena, recently addressed the operational challenges facing Kargil Airport, stating that significant upgrades are necessary before the facility can accommodate regular civilian flights. Saxena highlighted runway limitations as the primary obstacle, noting that its current state restricts the operation of larger aircraft. Smaller planes, however, could be introduced following the completion of essential improvements, contingent on commercial viability.
During a conversation with reporters, Saxena, who was concluding a four-day tour of the district, said he had inspected the airport, which is located approximately six kilometers from Kargil. The airport is currently operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF), and its operationalization has been a frequent request from the public. After a detailed evaluation with IAF representatives and other officials, Saxena determined that the existing runway, which measures around 6,000 feet, is too short and narrow and is in disrepair, making it unsuitable for large aircraft. Even with a potential extension of up to 3,000 feet, operational difficulties would persist (Saxena noted).
Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that the landing approach to the airport requires a sharp turn for larger aircraft, and a nearby mountain poses an additional challenge during takeoff. Currently, operations are only feasible from one direction, further restricting the airport’s functionality. Before any civilian operations can commence, the runway needs complete resurfacing (Saxena emphasized).
Outlining a prospective path forward, the Lieutenant Governor suggested introducing smaller aircraft with 19 to 26 seats after the necessary runway upgrades are completed. However, he stressed that the ultimate decision would hinge on commercial viability. According to Saxena, no private airline will invest in the airport without sufficient passenger traffic. He stated that operations could be scaled up accordingly if and when demand increases.
Saxena also addressed the common misconception that the IAF is reluctant to allow civilian operations at Kargil Airport, clarifying that this is not the case. He said that the Air Force and civil authorities are prepared, but ensuring commercial viability is the main prerequisite. Concluding his Kargil visit, which he described as highly successful, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized the significant initiatives undertaken by his administration in areas such as infrastructure, employment, environmental protection, and rural development.
Significant progress has been observed at the Zojila Tunnel project (Saxena noted), expressing confidence that a breakthrough will be achieved in the near future. He also emphasized the importance of improving the marketing and processing of Ladakh’s apricots, stating that while they are among the best globally, a lack of proper packaging and processing limits their market penetration. According to Saxena, modernizing Pashmina production through enhanced spinning, weaving, and design support is also necessary, with plans to involve the National Institute of Design.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the importance of environmental sustainability, announcing the launch of a plantation drive under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, as well as the “Ladakh Trans-Himalayan Cold Desert Urban Forestry and Food Initiative,” aimed at bolstering food security in the cold desert region. He voiced serious concerns about pollution in the main river passing through Kargil, warning that unchecked wastewater discharge could transform it into a drain. To combat this, he proposed installing decentralized sewage treatment plants (DSTPs) and small STPs, citing their successful implementation in Delhi as a model.
Addressing urban infrastructure, the Lieutenant Governor acknowledged issues in the Kargil market, including its poor condition, insufficient parking, and the presence of overhead cables. As a solution, he said he had directed authorities to develop multi-level parking facilities and move the cables underground through a comprehensive plan (Saxena stated).
In a significant boost to employment, approximately 200 appointment letters were distributed, with more planned for the future (Saxena revealed). He reiterated that all government vacancies in Ladakh would be filled within a specific timeframe and that departmental promotions are to be completed by the end of the month. The Lieutenant Governor also announced the launch of the “Him Sarovar” project, under which ponds are being constructed in 50 villages to combat water scarcity, with plans to extend this initiative to all 198 panchayats.
Furthermore, a Green Corridor project, involving riverbank development, will soon be launched (Saxena stated). He also announced the resolution of long-pending issues related to expired lease deeds, marking a significant step forward in addressing local concerns.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
