Despite persistent demands from residents and strategic experts, Kargil’s aspiration for reliable air connectivity remains unfulfilled. The Government continues to cite infrastructure challenges, with no concrete steps taken toward establishing a fully functional civil airport. The recent revelation in the Lok Sabha that no fresh feasibility study has been sought by the Ladakh administration only deepens the concerns over official inertia. The region’s need for an operational airport is not just a matter of convenience but a pressing necessity. Kargil, owing to its extreme weather conditions and frequent road blockages, remains cut off from the rest of the country for months. This isolation affects not only the local population but also the movement of defence personnel, given the district’s strategic location. An operational airport would provide a crucial lifeline, ensuring seamless transportation of people and essential supplies year-round.
Past efforts to establish air connectivity have met with repeated setbacks. A 2021 survey by the Airports Authority of India, Air Force, and Directorate General of Civil Aviation explored multiple locations, including Wakha, Turtuk, Diskit, Nyoma, and Padum, but deemed them unsuitable for airport construction. This assessment, however, should not be the end of the discussion. Rather, it should encourage fresh evaluations and alternative solutions, as technology and infrastructure capabilities have evolved since the initial study. Attempts to introduce commercial flights through the UDAN scheme have also failed. Although Kargil Airport was identified for regional connectivity in the second round of bidding, awarded routes to Jammu and Srinagar were later cancelled. Even in the latest UDAN 5.4 round, no airline has shown interest due to the airport’s operational deficiencies. This repeated failure signals the need for a more proactive and targeted approach from central and union territory administrations.
The prolonged delay in addressing Kargil’s air connectivity needs is not in anyone’s interest. To bolster Ladakh’s strategic preparedness, the establishment of a viable airport in Kargil should be prioritised. A concerted effort should be made involving infrastructure upgrades, financial incentives for airlines, and a reassessment of feasible airport sites. Kargil deserves much more than just promises.
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