Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 25 Aug: In order to improve air connectivity across its remote and strategic border districts, the Uttarakhand Government has decided to hand over the management of the Chinyalisaur airstrip in Uttarkashi and the Gauchar airstrip in Chamoli to the Indian Air Force.
The officials have claimed this decision is a significant step towards enhancing both civilian access and defence preparedness in the region. Simultaneously, the state government has reached an in-principle agreement with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for the operational management of the Pithoragarh airport, which has witnessed a notable rise in flight activity. A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been finalised to cement this arrangement, paving the way for structured development and professional management of the airport.
As part of its broader aviation expansion strategy, the state will invest approximately Rs 450 crores to upgrade the Pithoragarh airport infrastructure. In addition, plans are also underway to construct a one-kilometre-long airstrip at Gunji, aimed at launching air services to the Adi Kailash region. The Indian Air Force will extend technical support for this initiative, reinforcing the collaborative framework between the defence establishment and the civil administration.
Commenting on this development, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasised the critical importance of expanding the air network in border areas. He also cited its dual role in serving local communities and fulfilling strategic imperatives. The CM asserted that the state would actively engage with the IAF to realise these objectives and reiterated that the expansion of the Pithoragarh airport would begin shortly.
