Imran Ansari welcomes Srinagar Airport expansion

Srinagar, Feb 25: General Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC) and President of the All Jammu and Kashmir Shia Association, Molvi Imran Ansari has welcomed the approval of the major expansion of Srinagar International Airport, terming it a historic and game-changing decision for Kashmir’s future.

In a tweet, Molvi Imran Ansari expressed gratitude to the Central Government and the Hon’ble Prime Minister for approving the project, describing it as a transformative step for enhancing Kashmir’s connectivity and accelerating economic growth.

“Thankful to the Central Government and Hon’ble Prime Minister for approving the major expansion of Srinagar International Airport — a truly game-changing step for Kashmir’s growth and connectivity. This project can transform tourism, trade and employment across the Valley,” he tweeted.

He added that it is vital that local technical manpower, local contractors, and locally available raw material are given priority during construction and future operations so that the maximum benefit reaches Kashmiri youth.

Ansari further said that the airport’s interiors should reflect the cultural soul of Kashmir. “Airport interiors should showcase Kashmir’s handicrafts such as papier-mâché, carpets, walnut wood furniture and handloom products, giving a strong push to our artisan economy,” he stated.

Highlighting the need for long-term skill development, he urged the establishment of a dedicated local training institute to prepare youth for airport-related employment. “A specialised institute must be set up to skill youth for civil works, ground handling, maintenance, hospitality, retail and security, with 2–3 year diploma and apprenticeship programmes,” he said. He also advocated for exploring direct Umrah and Ziyarat flights from Srinagar in the future, saying this would significantly boost religious tourism and create additional livelihood opportunities. “Let this expansion become not just an infrastructure upgrade, but a pathway to dignity, jobs and opportunity for the people of Kashmir,” Ansari further said.