The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to take charge of the Chinyalisaur airstrip in Uttarkashi district and the Gauchar airstrip in Chamoli district, both located in Uttarakhand. Meanwhile, the Pithoragarh airport will be managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The state government plans to enhance the Pithoragarh airport at a cost of Rs 450 crore. This initiative aims to improve air services in border areas, catering to local residents while addressing strategic requirements. In this context, the state government has given preliminary approval for the IAF to operate the Chinyalisaur and Gauchar airstrips, and has similarly agreed, in principle, for the AAI to manage the Pithoragarh airport.
An agreement to formalize this arrangement is expected through a Memorandum of Understanding between the state and the AAI. Additionally, the government intends to construct a one-kilometer airstrip to facilitate air travel from Gunji to the Adi Kailash area, with technical support from the Air Force. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized that expanding the air network in the border state is crucial for meeting both strategic and local needs. Furthermore, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has communicated to the Chief Minister that helicopter services between Pithoragarh and Munsyari under the Udan scheme are anticipated to commence by September 30, with ‘Heritage Aviation’ selected to operate the service.
