Srinagar, Aug 10 (KNO): The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs has recommended that the Ministry of Civil Aviation, along with other stakeholders, undertake a comprehensive techno-economic and environmental feasibility study for developing an airport or an alternative aviation facility in the Katra area of Jammu & Kashmir.
In its report tabled in Parliament on August 7, 2026, the panel emphasized the need to explore the feasibility of establishing such a facility in view of the steadily increasing number of pilgrims visiting the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine and the growing tourist inflow to the Jammu region.
“The Committee is of the considered view that such a facility has the potential to substantially reduce travel time, improve accessibility, decongest existing transport networks and provide a significant impetus to pilgrimage, tourism and regional economic development,” reads the report, a copy of which is in possession of news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
It recommended that the Ministry of Civil Aviation, in consultation with the Airports Authority of India, the Government of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, and other concerned stakeholders, carry out a detailed feasibility study to assess the viability of developing an airport or an alternative aviation facility in the Katra region.
During its study visit to Jammu & Kashmir between May 11 to 16, the parliamentary panel visited Katra , and held discussions with representatives of the Shrine Board, the district administration and other concerned agencies—(KNO)