Cabinet

On Tuesday, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs signed off on a ₹1,677 crore outlay to build out the civil enclave at Srinagar International Airport.

This facility sits inside the Budgam Airbase, which the Indian Air Force runs, while the Airports Authority of India manages the civil side. The airport lies roughly 12 km from Srinagar city and has held international status since 2005.

Construction will cover 73.18 acres and deliver a terminal spanning 71,500 square metres, of which 20,659 square metres already stands. Once finished, the terminal is meant to process 2,900 travellers at peak hours and up to 10 million passengers each year.

Parking space for aircraft will grow to 15 bays, including a single Code E slot for widebody planes — nine bays already exist and six more are planned. The IAF will keep control of the existing runway, measuring 3,658 metres by 45 metres.

Other additions include housing for security staff and a multi-level parking structure fitting 1,000 vehicles. Designers intend to weave in local craft styles alongside standard passenger-handling zones, lounges, check-in counters and security checkpoints.

Sustainability features planned include rainwater collection, greater reliance on daylight to cut power use, and building materials sourced regionally, with developers aiming for a top-tier 5-star GRIHA green rating.

Officials say better airport infrastructure could ease access to tourist sites nearby, including Dal Lake, the Shankaracharya Temple and the Mughal Gardens, potentially boosting visitor numbers to the region.

The government also expects the construction and eventual airport operations to create local jobs and strengthen the tourism economy around Srinagar.