In a significant strategic move to bolster both national security and regional development, the Uttarakhand government today has granted its in-principle approval for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to operate the airstrips at Chinyalisaur in Uttarkashi and Gauchar in Chamoli. This decision is part of a broader, multi-faceted initiative to expand the state’s air network in its border districts. Alongside this, the government has also decided to hand over the operational management of the Pithoragarh airport to the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and committed to a major expansion plan for the facility.
The decision to entrust the Chinyalisaur and Gauchar airstrips to the IAF is a clear reflection of their immense strategic importance. Both airstrips are located in close proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, making them vital for meeting the country’s strategic and defence needs. For years, the IAF has conducted multi-purpose exercises at these locations to test their viability as Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) for transport aircraft and military operations. By formally handing over the operational control, the state government is not only aiding the armed forces but also ensuring a robust infrastructure is in place for emergency logistical support, including disaster relief and humanitarian aid, in a region prone to natural calamities.
The Pithoragarh airport, also known as Naini Saini Airport, is another cornerstone of this new strategy. The government’s decision to bring the facility under the management of the AAI is driven by the need to handle an increasing volume of air traffic and to provide a higher standard of service. Furthermore, the state has allocated a budget of approximately ₹450 crore for the expansion of this airport. The planned expansion, which is expected to include a longer runway and upgraded facilities, will not only enhance the airport’s capacity for commercial flights but will also improve its strategic utility for the defence forces, providing a crucial link near the borders with both Nepal and China.
In a move that links defence preparedness with the promotion of religious tourism, the state government is also planning the construction of a new one-kilometre-long airstrip at Gunji. This new facility is intended to facilitate air services to the Adi Kailash region, a sacred pilgrimage site that has been a recent focus of the state’s tourism development efforts. The IAF will provide technical assistance for the construction of this airstrip, highlighting the synergistic approach being taken to develop dual-use infrastructure. This project is expected to dramatically reduce the travel time for pilgrims and tourists, making the journey to Adi Kailash and the surrounding areas more accessible and convenient.
The Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, stated that expanding the air network in the border regions is not only essential for the strategic needs of the country but also for the economic and social development of local residents. This initiative is expected to boost tourism, generate employment, and provide a much-needed lifeline to remote communities, particularly during the challenging monsoon season. The government’s proactive approach to infrastructure development is a clear sign of its commitment to ensuring that Uttarakhand remains a secure and prosperous state for both its residents and visitors.
