Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan, today said that the efforts are underway for operationalisation of night-landing facilities at Srinagar Airport and all the requisite requirements will be met soon in this regard.The Divisional Commissioner made these remarks while reviewing the modalities to start night-landing of flights at the Srinagar airport.The meeting was informed that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted necessary permission for operating night flights.It was said that the state government had already released Rs 3.86 crore for meeting the expenses of raising ancillary infrastructural facilities for night hours at the Airport for the convenience of travellers and the staff.Procurement of night-landing equipment was already done by Airport Authority of India and presently installation work is under progress which will be completed up to July 27. Threadbare discussions were held regarding operational feasibility like high mast lights for funnel area, approach lights, surveillance, watch towers at strategic locations, proper lighting for proper visual profiling of vehicles, additional X-ray machines at drop gate, adequate security, smart fencing and other necessary infrastructural up gradation in this regard.
The Divisional Commissioner directed the officers for completion of all these upgradations by ending July. For construction of prefab huts for additional security for funnel area and adequate car parking near drop gate of the Airport, Divisional Commissioner directed DC Budgam, concerned SSP, CRPF and SMC officers to inspect the locations at Lalgam, Buchroo and Chatterhama and send the complete report to the Divisional Commissioner’s office within next 10 days for necessary action.On the occasion, Div Com said that the introduction of the facility would give a big push to the tourism sector in particular besides further improving the connectivity with other sectors of the country and would also help in improving the economy of the state as well.He stressed on the need of maintaining close coordination among various Government agencies so that the night-landing operations at Srinagar Airport will be started for the public as well as tourists soon.IG CRPF, DIG central, Deputy Director Airport Authority of India, DD Police Headquarters, ASP Anti Hijack Srinagar Airport, SE R&B, Joint Commissioner SMC, Assistant Commissioner and other concerned officials were present in the meeting whereas DC Budgam participated the meeting through Video Conferencing.