NEW DELHI: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, today called on the Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, in New Delhi and discussed key issues concerning air connectivity in the Union Territory.
During the meeting, the Lt Governor strongly advocated for operationalising air services from Kargil and Thoise (Nubra) under the RCS–UDAN scheme, stressing that these regions remain cut off for much of the year due to harsh terrain and prolonged road closures.
He pointed out that the limited winter services operated by the Indian Air Force under Operation Sadbhavana cater only to emergency travellers, students, and patients, leaving large sections of the population underserved.
The Lt Governor urged the Ministry to remove bottlenecks and facilitate fixed-wing operations with 50-seater turboprop aircraft for sustainable year-round connectivity. He also proposed a table-top feasibility exercise at Kargil Airport with MoCA, DGCA, AAI, and other stakeholders to finalise operational standards, aircraft categories, and pilot requirements for regular services.
Raising the issue of high airfares on existing routes to Ladakh, Gupta pressed for a fair regulatory mechanism to ensure affordable travel for residents and visitors alike. He also called for the speedy completion of the new terminal at Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport, Leh, which is vital for meeting rising passenger demand and strengthening Ladakh’s connectivity with the rest of the country.
The Union Minister assured full cooperation and promised that the Ministry would work closely with all stakeholders to address these concerns and improve air services for the people of Ladakh.
