NEW DELHI, February 24, 2026 : The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Narendra Modi, on Tuesday approved the development and expansion of the Civil Enclave at Srinagar International Airport at an estimated cost of ₹1,677 crore, marking a major infrastructure push for Jammu and Kashmir.
Terminal Area To Triple
Announcing the decision, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the new Civil Enclave project, spread over 73.18 acres, will feature a state-of-the-art terminal building of 71,500 square metres, a massive expansion from the existing 20,659 square metres.
The upgraded terminal is designed to handle:
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2,900 passengers during peak hours
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10 million passengers per annum (MPPA)
Airside Infrastructure Upgrade
As per the approval:
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The expanded apron will accommodate 15 aircraft parking bays, including one wide-body (Code E) aircraft
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9 existing bays
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6 new bays
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The 3,658m x 45m runway, operated by the Indian Air Force, will continue to serve both civil and defence operations
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A multi-level car parking facility for 1,000 vehicles will be constructed
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Barracks for security personnel will also be part of the project
The airport is operated by the Airports Authority of India within the Budgam Airbase and was designated as an international airport in 2005. It is located around 12 km from Srinagar city.
Kashmir-Inspired Architecture
The new terminal will blend modern aviation design with Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage, featuring:
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Traditional woodwork
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Locally inspired craftsmanship
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Spacious lounges
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Streamlined passenger processing areas
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Advanced check-in and security systems
The design aims to deliver both aesthetic appeal and operational efficiency, officials said.
Focus On Sustainability
Sustainability is a core element of the project, with provisions for:
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Advanced water harvesting systems
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Maximum use of natural lighting to reduce energy consumption
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Eco-friendly and locally sourced construction materials
The project is targeted to achieve a 5-star GRIHA rating, underlining its commitment to green infrastructure.
Tourism And Economic Boost
Beyond infrastructure enhancement, the expansion is expected to:
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Strengthen connectivity to major attractions such as Dal Lake, Shankaracharya Temple, and the Mughal Gardens
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Boost tourism and hospitality sectors
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Generate employment opportunities
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Attract fresh investment
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Reinforce Srinagar’s position as a premier tourist and economic destination
Officials described the Civil Enclave expansion as a transformative step toward delivering world-class airport infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir while showcasing the region’s cultural and natural splendour to the world.
