Excelsior Correspondent
![A speaker during an interaction programme organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce at Jammu on Friday. —Excelsior/Rakesh](http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/page7-53-300x168.jpg)
—Excelsior/Rakesh
JAMMU, Jan 24: The J&K Chapter of PHD Chamber of Commerce & Industry started its activities for the year here today with an interaction with Ramesh Kumar, Director Jammu Airport, AAI and M Yadalah its DGM.
Speaking on the occasion Mr Ramesh Kumar, Director Jammu Airport stated that expansion of Jammu Airport is taking place and the work is in progress. He said M/s Anil Kapahi Construction is executing the project worth 40 crore which is likely to be completed by August 2015.
He said the Jammu Airport will have ultra modern facilities just like other airports in India. These facilities included escalators, Aero Brides, FIDs etc, he added.
Further AAI has a plan for construction of new turned building at Beli Charana for which land acquisition for 137 acres is in progress. The runway extension work which is pending since long for which State Government has to provide the land by transferring Army establishments to other alternate locations, the State administration has been requested to expedite the same and handover the land to AAI at the earliest because it is related to safety issue.
Vikrant Kuthiala, Chairman J&K State Committee PHD Chamber suggested for expeditious completion of runway extension, increase in number of X-Ray machines, security frisking points, increase in seating capacity in both pre and post security check in areas as also for provision of proper arrangements for visitors to the departure terminal.
He also suggested for creation of a food court, increase in number of shops in the departure lounge. In the under construction arrival terminal, he suggested for providing adequate dedicated taxi parking, creation of prepaid taxi booth and establishment of a counter for local tour and hotel operators within the arrival terminal.
Further he stressed on introduction of evening/night flights and creation of dedicated cargo complex.
The meeting was conducted by Rajesh Motial and the vote of thanks was proposed by Rajesh Gupta.