Srinagar, June 14: In the middle of peak tourism season, Indian Air force (IAF) has decided to start renovation and upgradation of the runway at Srinagar International Airport forcing Airports Authority of India (AAI) to restrict the flight timing schedule to 4.30 PM.
The move has led to strong resentment among the stakeholders here who allege that there seems to be deliberate attempt by certain quarters in the establishment to scuttle the tourist arrivals to Kashmir. “There seems to be a pattern that every year the renovation of the runway is started at the peak of the tourism season seemingly to scuttle the tourist arrivals to Kashmir,” a group of tourism players told Greater Kashmir.
However, official sources said the runway, which was made operational in 2009, has developed cracks and there are potholes visible on the surface which can jeopardize the safety of passengers. “The runway has developed cracks due to use of substandard material used for renovation in 2009, otherwise it is not possible that cracks would develop in such a short span of time,” they said and demanded a CBI probe into the “substandard” works executed at the runway.
Sources said there are reports of rampant use of sub-standard material in the construction of the Airport building and terminals at the Srinagar International Airport.
“The Mumbai-based construction firm has also been accused of resorting to the brazen use of substandard material in the construction of the terminal building at the Srinagar Airport which was contracted out to the firm by the Airports Authority of India (AAI),” they said.
AAI looks after the operation of the civil enclave including terminal buildings at the Srinagar International Airport, while the runways are being maintained and constructed by IAF as the Srinagar International Airport falls in the defence category.
IAF authorities argue that the flight timing schedule has been curtailed to 4.30 pm to ensure hassle-free renovation of the runways. The move, however, has not gone well with the tourism players and stakeholders in Kashmir who complain that the curtailment of flight schedules will hugely impact the tourist arrivals in Kashmir.
Director, Srinagar International Airport, Captain K S Rao told Greater Kashmir that the renovation work at the Airport will start from Sunday. “We have already conveyed our decision to the stakeholders and air carrier companies operating in the state that the Srinagar International Airport will halt flight landing from 4.30 pm. There will be no air traffic after 4.30 pm as the renovation work will be in progress around that time.”
Asked about the allegations of use of substandard material in constructions at the International Airport, he said; “I cannot tell anything about that as the runways is maintained and developed by IAF,” Capt Rao said.
He said AAI authorities will devise a strategy to ensure that the cargo deliveries are not hampered.
“In case of any emergency we have kept the use of Awantipora Airbase option open,” Director Airport said adding that the renovation of runway will take at least 2 months till then the same flight timing schedule will be followed.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Shailendra Kumar said the AAI had approached his office for permission to start repairs of the runway.
“Taking into the considerations the condition of runway, we gave the requisite permission. Administration cannot play with the lives of air passengers and present season is the best time for construction activities in Kashmir,” he said.
“We had two options either to use Awantipora Airbase or curtail flight timing schedule,” Kumar said adding that there will be, however, no curtailment of flights.
Asked about the proposal for construction of Civil Airport at Shariefabad, Divisional Commissioner said: “We were not able to find feasible land for the operation of air flights at the proposed site.”
Meanwhile, the stakeholders are up in arms against the AAI decision to curtail flight timing schedule.
President, Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Sheikh Ashiq said; “What was the need of repairing the runway in the middle of the tourism season, besides the cargo shipping will also be hampered which will have an adverse impact on the export sector.”