Plans to upgrade Uttarakhand's Naini-Saini Airport in Pithoragarh from Category 2C to Category 3C are progressing, with a report being prepared for the airport's expansion. The proposed upgrade is expected to create scope for larger aircraft operations and improvements in passenger facilities.
The district administration has accelerated work on the proposal to upgrade Naini-Saini Airport to Category 3C. A meeting chaired by District Magistrate Ashish Bhatgain discussed the airport's expansion, technical requirements and passenger facilities. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) also presented a report on the potential for air traffic in the region.
Introducing larger passenger aircraft at Naini-Saini Airport will require several changes to its existing infrastructure. Against this backdrop, the district administration held a meeting with officials from the relevant departments and airport authorities.
During the meeting, AAI officials presented an air traffic potential report examining the estimated number of air passengers in the region and the prospects for expanding flight services in the future. The District Magistrate directed that the report be forwarded to higher authorities for further action.
The administration said that expanding the runway alone would not be sufficient. The development plan would also need to examine passenger facilities, security arrangements and the scope for improving essential infrastructure around the airport.
Naini-Saini Airport currently falls under Category 2C, which allows the operation of smaller passenger aircraft. The proposed upgrade to Category 3C could create the possibility of operating aircraft such as the ATR-72, which can accommodate 72 passengers.
However, the airport would first need to meet the required runway specifications, safety standards and other technical requirements.
The proposal includes developing a larger passenger terminal, improved waiting areas, refreshment facilities and other essential passenger services. The requirements for technical equipment to ensure safer and more organised flight operations will also be assessed.
No definite date has been announced for the start of regular operations by larger aircraft. The timeline will depend on the completion of expansion work, the necessary approvals and compliance with aviation safety standards.
Land availability is a key consideration in the airport expansion project. An earlier survey had indicated a requirement of approximately 53 hectares of land for the proposed expansion. However, the final land requirement will be determined based on the new survey report and proposed design.
The project could also affect surrounding land and some buildings. The administration will therefore need to assess local concerns alongside the technical requirements of the expansion.
The District Magistrate directed officials to conduct a detailed assessment of the social impact, feasibility of the expansion and related administrative procedures. Additional District Magistrate Yogendra Singh and officials from the concerned departments attended the meeting.
The proposed expansion of Naini-Saini Airport is significant for Pithoragarh and the surrounding hilly areas. Improved air connectivity could make travel easier for tourists, local residents and business operators.
Passengers travelling from Pithoragarh to tourist destinations such as Munsiyari, Dharchula and other areas could also benefit from improved connectivity. An increase in passenger traffic could create opportunities for local businesses associated with hotels, taxis and tourism.
As a border district, Pithoragarh also has a greater need for improved transport infrastructure. The expansion of air services could help connect remote areas with other parts of the country.
The next stage of the airport expansion process will depend on technical assessments and reports from the relevant departments. The project can move forward only after the requirements related to land, construction and other necessary approvals have been addressed.
For now, the upgrade to Category 3C remains a proposed development plan. Its completion would increase the airport's operational capacity and could improve air connectivity for Pithoragarh.
