LG Sinha hails Civil Aviation Ministry for promoting chopper services in J&K

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday commended the work of Union Civil Aviation Ministry for promoting Heli Services as a means of public transport for both passengers and cargo to boost last mile connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the 4th edition of Heli-India Summit here at SKICC, Srinagar today organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India with the support of the Government of J&K, Pawan Hans Ltd. and FICCI on the theme “Helicopters for Last Mile Connectivity” brought together various stakeholders of the helicopter industry and provided a common platform to discuss the growth of the Helicopter.
“Various scenic destinations in Jammu Kashmir witnessing year-round tourist influx, which has the potential to boost Heli-Tourism market in the UT. We are committed to facilitate and help in the growth of Heli operations. I invite Industry Captains to be partners in this transformational journey”, the Lt Governor said.
He said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ensured Nav-Nirman of J&K UT with robust infrastructure, road-connectivity to all villages, housing, rural electrification and full utilization of natural and human resources to meet the demands of the modern society.
Gati Shakti-National Master Plan is paving the way for coordinated implementation of infrastructure schemes like Bharatmala, Sagarmala and UDAN, he added.
Highlighting the reforms introduced by the Prime Minister, the Lt Governor said, “Country’s aviation sector has witnessed an unprecedented growth in passenger traffic and corresponding increase in number of flight routes, aircrafts and enhanced regional air connectivity to fulfill the aspirations of the common man by following the vision of Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik”.
In a short span of time, 65 airports, 8 heliports and 2 water aerodromes were made operational in tier-2 and tier-3 cities under the guidance of the Prime Minister and soon India will cross over into the top 10 air freight markets in the near future, he added.
The Lt Government reiterated government’s commitment to improve connectivity, particularly in remote & far-flung areas and providing affordable transportation to the people of the Jammu and Kashmir. Rs. One Lakh Crore is being spent on road and tunnel infrastructure, which are opening up new vistas of socio-economic growth of J&K.
Significant decisions like reduction of VAT on ATF from 26.5% to 1% and abolishing the load penalty at Jammu airport has revived J&K’s Civil aviation sector. Today, Srinagar airport is setting a new record in terms of the number of flights per day. Within a year, from 20-25 daily flights, today 80 to 100 flights are operating at Srinagar airport every day, the Lt Governor said.
Achievements in tourism sector, development of 75 offbeat destinations enabling us to accelerate our development process and to utilize the energies and talents of human capital, he added.
The Lt Governor said, Inclusive development provides J&K considerable leverage in pursuing the objective of Aatma-Nirbhar J&K. Today we have a rapidly growing economy, expanding market for agriculture & allied sectors and widening industrial base to integrate J&K’s economy into the country’s mainstream. (UNI)