Himachal's Tourism Push: Rs 460 Crore Airport Expansion Amid Heliport Network

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reviewed major tourism projects across the state. A significant Rs 460 crore has been disbursed for land acquisition to expand Kangra Airport. The expansion is expected to boost the local economy and attract high-end tourists to the region. Additionally, multiple heliport projects are being accelerated to improve air connectivity for tourists.

Key Points: Himachal CM Sukhu Reviews Tourism Projects and Kangra Airport

  • Rs 460 crore disbursed for land acquisition for Kangra Airport expansion
  • Heliports at Sanjauli and Rampur Bushair receive DGCA operational authorisation
  • CM directs completion of multiple heliport projects across the state by next year
  • Auhar tourist complex in Bilaspur district is 46% complete and work expedited
2 min read

Himachal CM reviews tourism projects; Rs 460 crore disbursed for Kangra Airport expansion

CM Sukhu disburses Rs 460 crore for Kangra Airport expansion, reviews heliport network to boost tourism and generate employment in Himachal.

"The expansion of Kangra airport is of paramount importance as it will bolster the economy - CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu"

Shimla, November 6

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday reviewed the ongoing projects of the Tourism Department and stated that Rs. 460 crore has been disbursed to beneficiaries for land acquisition for the expansion of Kangra airport, while another Rs. 1,899 crore is ready for disbursement, said the release.

Himachal CM said that the expansion of Kangra airport is of paramount importance as it will bolster the economy of not only Kangra district but also the adjoining districts. It will go a long way in promoting tourism activities in this region, thereby generating employment and self-employment opportunities for the local youth. He said that the expansion of this airport would also attract high-end tourists to the area.

The Chief Minister also reviewed the ongoing project of setting up heliports across the State and directed to accelerate the construction work. The operational authorisation for Sanjauli and Rampur Bushair heliports has been received from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and it has been directed that operations should commence soon after completing the remaining codal formalities.

CM Sukhu also reviewed the ongoing construction work of other heliports being set up at Kagnidhdar in Mandi district, Rakkar and Palampur in Kangra district, Sultanpur in Kullu district, Reckong Peo in Kinnaur district, and Jaskot in Hamirpur district, and instructed the officers to complete these projects by next year. He stated that improved air connectivity for tourists will boost tourism in these areas. He requested that the new routes for helicopter operations be identified and implemented to facilitate tourists.

He said that tourism is the mainstay of the economy of the State and the present State Government was promoting tourism in a big way.

CM Sukhu has directed the expedited construction work of the Auhar tourist complex in Bilaspur district, as 46 per cent of the work has been completed so far. He also reviewed various tourism projects being constructed with ADB funding and instructed the acceleration of construction work on these projects.

Principal Secretary of Tourism, Devesh Kumar, Secretary to the Chief Minister, Rakesh Kanwar, Director of Tourism, Vivek Bhatia, and other senior officers attended the meeting.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally some concrete action on tourism infrastructure! The ₹460 crore disbursement shows government's seriousness. Local youth will definitely benefit from employment opportunities. Hope the funds reach the actual beneficiaries without delays.
A
Arjun K
While I appreciate the focus on tourism, I hope the government also ensures environmental protection. Himachal's beauty lies in its pristine mountains and forests. Development should not come at the cost of ecological damage.
M
Meera T
Heliports in remote areas like Reckong Peo and Kinnaur will be a blessing! These places have amazing tourism potential but poor connectivity. This will help local homestays and small businesses flourish. 🙏
D
David E
As a frequent traveler to India, improved airport infrastructure in Himachal is much needed. The current connectivity to places like Dharamshala is quite limited. This expansion will definitely attract more international tourists.
S
Siddharth J
Good to see the government focusing on multiple districts - Kangra, Kullu, Kinnaur, Mandi. This balanced approach will ensure tourism benefits reach across the state rather than concentrating in just Shimla or Manali.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50