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Himachal CM Seeks Centre's Support for Kangra Airport Expansion, Green Energy Push

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu to seek central support for expanding Kangra Airport and increasing flight connectivity to Shimla. He requested procedural changes to allow flights in lower visibility and proposed shifting airport security to state police to reduce costs. Separately, the CM reiterated the state's ambitious target to become a Green Energy State by 2026, aiming for over 90% renewable energy. He highlighted geothermal energy as a key future sustainable resource for the state.

Key Points: Himachal CM Seeks Kangra Airport Expansion, More Shimla Flights

  • Seeks Centre's support for Kangra Airport expansion
  • Requests special visual flight rules to aid operations
  • Proposes extending Shimla airport timings
  • Aims to make Himachal a Green Energy State by 2026
2 min read

Himachal CM seeks Centre's support for Kangra Airport expansion, calls for increasing Chandigarh-Shimla flights

Himachal CM Sukhu meets Union Aviation Minister, seeks support for Kangra airport expansion, increased Chandigarh-Shimla flights, and discusses green energy goals.

"keeping in mind the changing climatic conditions, Geothermal energy would prove to be a sustainable and secure source of energy - Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu"

Shimla, January 27

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday called on Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, seeking support for the expansion of Kangra airport and special central assistance for the project.

The Chief Minister highlighted Kangra district's immense tourism potential and said the state government was executing ambitious projects to attract a large number of tourists, according to an official statement from the CM's office.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister requested the Union Minister to introduce special visual flight rules to reduce the minimum visibility requirement from 5 km to 2.5 km, enabling flights to operate during reduced visibility conditions.

He also discussed handing over the Kullu and Shimla airports to the State Police instead of the CISF, given the reduced flight operations and passenger numbers, thereby reducing the financial burden on the state. Additionally, he requested that flight operations at Shimla airport be extended to 4 PM to increase the number of flights.

The Chief Minister further requested an increase in the frequency of flights between Chandigarh and Shimla.

The Union Minister directed the officers to hold a joint meeting with the concerned officials and prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the expansion of Kangra airport. He also assured the state of full support. Chief Minister's Principal Advisor Ram Subhag Singh was also present during the meeting.

Earlier, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday said that the state has set an ambitious target to become a Green Energy State in 2026, aiming to meet over 90 per cent of its energy demand through renewable sources.

While presiding over a review meeting with senior officers last evening, Sukhu stated that the State Government was working with a spirit of 'Vyavastha Parivartan', a systemic transformation, to shift Himachal Pradesh towards a clean, self-reliant and sustainable energy future.

Besides, the state is heading towards tapping the geothermal energy resources. Geothermal energy can be a significant additional source of renewable energy, he said, adding that "keeping in mind the changing climatic conditions, Geothermal energy would prove to be a sustainable and secure source of energy".

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who travels to Shimla often for work, extending flight timings beyond 4 PM is crucial. The current schedule is too restrictive. More Chandigarh-Shimla flights would be a game-changer for business and weekend travelers.
R
Rohit P
Good to see the CM pushing for infrastructure. But I hope they also focus on the roads! The approach to these airports, especially in bad weather, needs equal attention. Development should be holistic.
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Priya S
The green energy goal for 2026 is even more impressive! Becoming a green state while improving connectivity shows real vision. Geothermal energy in the Himalayas is a smart move. Hope other hill states learn from Himachal.
V
Vikram M
Reducing visibility requirements from 5km to 2.5km is a practical request. Fog and mist are common in the hills, leading to so many cancellations. This change alone would make air travel much more reliable for tourists and residents.
M
Michael C
While expansion is good, handing over airport security to State Police from CISF needs careful thought. Security protocols should not be compromised for cost savings, especially in sensitive border regions.
A
Ananya R
More flights to Shimla will help decongest the roads. The highway gets so

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