IAF to launch Srinagar - Kargil service from December

Jammu: Indian Air Force will commence services of AN-32 plane to Kargil from the first week of December. The decision was taken in a high-level meeting chaired by Adviser to the Chief Minister Qamar Ali Akhoon here, following the requisition made by Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Kargil for start of IAF sorties. [caption id=“attachment_1240575” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] PTI[/caption] It will remain operational as per the requirements of LAHDC during the winter season after closure of the only surface link Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway, an official spokesperson said today. After discussing the pros and cons for smooth operation of the service, it was decided that the AN-32 courier service shall operate as per past practise from Srinagar to Kargil and back thrice in a week on every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. It will also operate from Jammu to Kargil and back once in a week on every Tuesday. It was also decided in the meeting that in view of heavy rush of passengers at Jammu, the government will take up the matter with the Ministry of Defence for operation of one additional sortie from Jammu to Kargil for the convenience of people who get stranded due to closure of Zojila Pass following heavy snowfall in the area. The Adviser instructed the Deputy Commissioners of Kargil, Srinagar and Jammu to nominate Liaison Officers in their respective districts, who can easily be contacted by people for booking of tickets, and other related matters. The meeting was informed that the routine facilities during passenger stay at Srinagar, Jammu and Kargil, including arrangement for additional security personnel, transportation, medical aid facilities etc shall be provided by the local administration. Akhoon called upon the concerned authorities to maintain close coordination for smooth operation of the much-needed service to the border district during the harsh winters. PTI