Kullu to get connected with Jammu by October end under the UDAN-5 scheme

Under the central government’s regional connectivity scheme UDAN-5, traveling from Kullu’s Bhuntar Airport to Jammu will become more convenient with flights commencing by the end of October.

This new route will facilitate easier travel for residents of Kullu, Mandi, and Lahaul-Spiti to visit Mata Vaishno Devi, with fares set at just ₹2500. While the exact start time of the flights is yet to be decided, the Airports Authority of India has already begun preparations.

The service schedule is expected to be finalized by the first week of October. This Alliance Air flight is anticipated to boost tourism in Kullu-Manali, Lahaul, and Jammu.

Previously, under the UDAN scheme, a 72-seater aircraft has been operating from Kullu to Amritsar and Kullu to Dehradun. A new route from Kullu to Jaipur is set to start on October 14, followed by the Kullu-Jammu connection. This expansion is likely to increase tourism during the upcoming winter season, benefiting the tourism industry and local residents. Manali and Lahaul-Spiti are popular winter destinations due to their snowfall.

Mukesh Thakur, President of the Hotel Association Manali, former President Gajendra Thakur, and tourism businessman Rajendra Prakash stated, “Connecting Bhuntar Airport with other cities through air service will boost tourism. The more the central government expands this, the more Himachal’s tourism will benefit. The journey by air service under the regional connectivity scheme UDAN-5 will also be more affordable.”