CHANDIGARH/SHIMLA/DEHRADUN, 13 October, 2024: The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Ministry of Defence are in talks to take control of three airstrips in Uttarakhand and build a new one in Himachal Pradesh, aiming to strengthen airfield infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
Discussions are at an advanced stage for airstrips in Pithoragarh, Gauchar, and Dharasu in Uttarakhand, according to sources.
Meanwhile, a feasibility study has been conducted for a proposed airstrip at Rangrik in Spiti, Himachal Pradesh.
Last week, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh acknowledged China’s rapid infrastructure development along the LAC. “India is working to keep pace by upgrading airfields and utilizing civil infrastructure. The IAF is in talks with state governments to either take over these airfields or ensure they are available for military use,” he said.
The “central sector” refers to the portion of the LAC that runs through Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Airstrips in Uttarakhand are located: Pithoragarh, in the eastern part of the state, has an operational civilian runway, Gauchar is close to Kedarnath, and Dharasu is near the Gangotri glacier.
In the past, special operations aircraft like the C-130J have landed at these airstrips, which are state-owned. The IAF may also use existing civilian airports in Himachal—Jubbarhatti (Shimla), Kangra, and Bhuntar (Kullu)—in emergencies, as these are capable of handling C-130J operations. Airbases in the plains, such as Adampur and Ambala, cover security needs on both the western and China fronts, while Chandigarh supports supply lines to eastern Ladakh.
The Bareilly and Sarsawa airbases in Uttar Pradesh focus on the China front. The proposed Rangrik airstrip holds major calculated value, as it lies near Chepzi in Tibet, where Chinese patrols are often spotted near the Chumar and Demchok areas of India. If built, the airstrip could also serve civilian flights, providing a vital link to Spiti, which is often cut off by snow in winter.
