Article Posted on : - Nov 07, 2012

AN-32 Kargil Courier aircraft.

JAMMU (PTI): Indian Air Force will commence AN-32 courier service to Kargil from November 26 and it will remain operational during the winter season after closure of the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway.

"IAF will start operation of AN-32 courier service to Kargil from November 26 and remain operational during the winter season after closure of the surface link - Srinagar- Kargil-Leh National Highway," the Minister for Transport, Qamar Ali Akhoon said while chairing a high level meeting of the officers on Wednesday.

The meeting was informed that AN-32 courier service would operate from Srinagar to Kargil and back thrice in a week on every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, whereas it will be operated from Jammu to Kargil and back on every Tuesday.

The meeting appreciated the commendable job of the IAF for providing air link service to the far-flung areas of the state from the capital cities during the winter season.

"The IAF is not only doing a yeoman's job in providing air services to the people, but it also provides every assistance along with Army and other security forces at the time of any eventuality in the snow-bound border areas of the state," the meeting observed.

It was decided in the meeting that in case of cancellation of any sortie due to bad weather, it will be operated on next day and if the sorties are cancelled for a long time, backlog passengers would be airlifted to Leh where from they will travel to their respective destinations.

The Deputy Commissioners were asked to nominate Liason Officers at Jammu, Srinagar and Kargil, who could be contacted for booking of tickets and other related matters.

The meeting was informed that facilities during stay in Srinagar and Jammu, including additional security personnel and transportation to airport, would be provided by the local administration.

The minister asked the concerned departments to maintain close coordination for smooth operation of the much needed service to the border district during the harsh winter season.