ATR operations, airport process gains pace in Udhampur
Command Hospital to extend super-speciality care to civilians
Ramban-Banihal tunnels, tourism and infrastructure projects reviewed
Jammu: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Monday announced that ATR flights from Udhampur are expected to begin within the next few months as the process for operationalising a civilian airport gathers momentum. Reviewing the status during a DISHA meeting, he said land transfer has commenced with the concurrence of the Union Territory administration, while tenders for fabrication work have already been floated to facilitate ATR operations from the existing premises.
Chairing separate meetings in Udhampur and Ramban districts, the Minister reviewed progress of Centrally Sponsored Schemes and key infrastructure projects. Stressing the need for accessible healthcare, he said the Army Command Hospital Udhampur has agreed to extend super-speciality services to civilians. He directed the district administration to create awareness, identify deserving patients and organise quarterly health camps for wider outreach.
Dr Singh also reviewed the progress of the new Government Medical College in Udhampur, stating that the radiology block will be completed soon and the institution is likely to be handed over by June 2026. He later donated an ambulance to the college under MPLADS. Under the One District One Product initiative, he assessed efforts to promote the local dairy product “Kaladi,” noting that a Mysuru-based institute is working to enhance its shelf life for wider markets.
He expressed satisfaction over the progress of the Delhi–Amritsar–Katra Expressway, stating that it will significantly improve connectivity, boost tourism and contribute to economic growth. Reviewing the International Yoga Centre at Mantalai, he suggested making it operational through a Public-Private Partnership model to ensure better management and promote wellness tourism.
The Minister emphasised that roads, drinking water and power supply must be accorded top priority, while directing agencies to resolve pending forest clearance issues affecting projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
In Ramban district, Dr Singh said multiple tunnels along the Ramban–Banihal stretch of NH-44 are nearing completion and will soon be opened to the public, significantly improving travel time and safety. He noted that the work had been delayed due to last year’s heavy rains and flash floods.
He announced a Rs 88 lakh critical care ambulance for Ramban and directed authorities to address the shortage of gynaecologists to strengthen maternal healthcare. He also proposed setting up science museums in government schools and informed that two Kendriya Vidyalayas will begin academic sessions in the district this year.
To strengthen weather monitoring, he said the existing station at Banihal will be upgraded, while two new stations will be established in Ramsoo and Gool. Highlighting tourism potential, he said a golf course will be developed at Sanasar, where a tulip garden has already been established.
Addressing rising road accidents on the highway, Dr Singh suggested deploying doctors through the National Highways Authority of India until a dedicated trauma centre is established, while reiterating the need for time-bound execution of projects and close coordination with public representatives.
