MP in Cabinet has eyes only for J&K airport

When contacted by The Indian Express, an unfazed Gupta said: “My constituency is actually Doda, but what is wrong if Jammu benefits from my tenure as minister?”

Asked if the expansion of the terminal and runway was actually warranted by the traffic at Jammu airport, he replied: “It is also a security issue. Jammu airport should be very big since if Pakistan attacks we will need rapid security movement. So I am doing it in national interest.”

AAI sources say that the first thing Gupta ordered when hetook over charge was an office in Jammu and the extension of the terminal at the airport.

Gupta has been monitoring the progress personally and has ignored objections by a techno-feasibility report that said extension of the runway to accommodate bigger aircraft was not a feasible proposition.

The MoS has also asked Pawan Hans to start a helicopter service from Jammu to Katra and Sanjhichhat on way to the Vaishno Devi shrine. Pawan Hans sources say that two helipads are being built and 26-seater helicopters will fly on the routes. Even this proposal has been objected to. Security agencies say the proposed service might lead to security hazards.

Gupta, however, is determined that the service should start. “I am talking to security agencies to clear our plan,” he says. “They have some objections but I am sure we can convince them. I hope that the service will start soon since it is a very good plan and will serve the needs of the pilgrims.”

In case of the Jammu airport, the AAI has been giving theMoS weekly progress reports and a huge advertising blitz has been planned for the inauguration of the new terminal.

A huge official contingent will fly down with Gupta, and the new terminal would be “dedicated to the people of Jammu”.