Uttarakhand: Dehradun’s Jolly Grant soon to upgrade as international airport, first destination is Kathmandu
In an attempt to upgrade Dehradun’s Jolly Grant airport to an international airport, Uttarakhand government has invited Request for Proposals (RFP) from airlines to operate subsidized flights between Dehradun and Kathmandu which underscores its unwavering commitment to enhancing international connectivity and promoting tourism. This aims to strengthen historical ties woven through shared culture, heritage, and centuries-old interactions.
Dehradun: Uttarakhand has taken a significant step toward enhancing connectivity by initiating work to upgrade the Dehradun Airport to international level. The focus is on commencing flights between Dehradun and Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Uttarakhand government has invited requests for proposal (RFP) from airlines to operate subsidized flights between Dehradun and Kathmandu. As per the sources, the strong support from the Union government for this initiative, aimed at realizing India’s potential as a global tourist destination beyond just NRIs.
Foreign tourist arrivals (FTA) have been around 92.4 lakh last year
Foreign tourist arrivals (FTA) stood at approximately 1.1 crore in 2019, dipped to 62 lakhs in 2022, and rose to 92.4 lakhs last year. Despite a surge in domestic travel post-COVID, international inbound tourism is yet to fully recover in the country. In 2019, the foreign tourist arrivals (FTA) was approximately 1.1 crore, which reduced to 62 lakh in 2022, and it has registered a growth of 92.4 lakh FTA last year. So, the efforts to restore and further increase the FTAs are underway within the industry by enhancing direct international connectivity, developing new tourism circuits, and streamlining visa processes.
Emphasis is on fostering international connectivity and tourism
To foster international connectivity and tourism, the state government highlights the invitation for proposals to establish flight operations between Kathmandu and Dehradun, aimed at strengthening historical ties and exploring new opportunities for tourism, commerce, and cultural exchange.
Terms and conditions
To promote the air-connectivity between Uttarakhand and Nepal, the state will offer financial assistance. As per terms and conditions, airfares will be market-driven, with no fare caps, and bidders will operate three round trips weekly. Moreover, the contract will be for a year initially, extendable by mutual agreement, and requires the operation of minimum 70-seater planes, likely Airbus A320s or Boeing 737s. After the bidding on April 25, the selected airline must commence operations within 60 days of receiving the award letter.
Uttarakhand CM Dhami is enthusiastic about this initiative
Interested parties will bid based on viability gap funding (VGF) per seat, and established airlines offering the lowest VGF will be favored. Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami is reportedly enthusiastic about establishing Dehradun as an international airport, which is to be started with Kathmandu which is known for its rich culture, architecture, and temples, is a vibrant city. It embraces both Hindu and Buddhist traditions, making it a unique and fascinating destination. As Uttarakhand progresses in its efforts to enhance air connectivity, the Dehradun-Kathmandu route promises significant mutual interest and historical ties between the two destinations, including religious connections.