In a strategic move to bolster its air capabilities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) are planning to take control of three existing airstrips in Uttarakhand, while a new airstrip is set to be developed in the Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh.
According to sources, discussions regarding the Uttarakhand airstrips at Pithoragarh, Gauchar, and Dharasu are nearing finalization. Meanwhile, a feasibility study has already been conducted by the MoD for the construction of the new airstrip at Rangrik in Spiti, a region of high strategic importance.
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh recently acknowledged the rapid pace of infrastructure development on the Chinese side of the LAC. He emphasized that India is taking parallel steps to enhance its own airfield capabilities, which include optimizing existing civil infrastructure. “We are matching China’s efforts by ramping up airfield capacities and collaborating with state governments to either take over or secure guaranteed access to strategic airstrips in the central sector,” said Singh.
In military terms, the “central sector” refers to the LAC bordering China through Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. Among the identified airstrips, Pithoragarh in eastern Uttarakhand already has a functional civilian runway. Gauchar, located near Kedarnath, and Dharasu, situated along the route to the Gangotri glacier, are both positioned in vital strategic zones. These airstrips, previously utilized by special operations aircraft such as the C-130J, sit on state-owned land and are critical for swift military operations.
Additionally, fully paved civilian airstrips in Himachal Pradesh—Jubbarhatti in Shimla, Kangra, and Bhuntar in Kullu—are also on standby for use in case of an emergency. All three airstrips are capable of handling military aircraft, such as the C-130J, ensuring robust logistical support in critical scenarios.
Existing airbases in the northern plains, such as those in Adampur, Ambala, Bareilly, and Sarsawa, continue to serve as pivotal hubs for security along both the China and Pakistan fronts. Chandigarh’s airbase, in particular, plays a key role in providing logistical supplies to eastern Ladakh.
The new airstrip planned for Rangrik in Spiti holds significant promise. Situated near the LAC, across from the Chinese outpost at Chepzi in Tibet, Rangrik is a high-priority site for both military and civilian operations. The location is critical as it borders areas where Chinese troops frequently patrol near Chumar and Demchok. In addition to military applications, the airstrip could also support civilian flights, which would be a boon for the Spiti valley, often isolated by heavy snowfall in the winter months.
This enhanced airfield infrastructure marks a crucial step in India’s ongoing efforts to secure its northern borders and maintain parity with China’s rapid development across the LAC.