Big Push for Himachal’s Air Connectivity: Kangra Airport Expansion Report Due in Two Months
Himachal Pradesh could soon see major improvements in air travel and connectivity after Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu held an important meeting with Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu in New Delhi on Wednesday.
At the heart of the discussions was the long-awaited expansion of Kangra Airport, a project the state government considers crucial for boosting tourism and improving access to the hill state. Sukhu highlighted that tourism remains one of the strongest pillars of Himachal’s economy and better air connectivity would make travelling to the state easier for visitors from across the country and abroad.
The Chief Minister informed the Union Minister that the land acquisition process for the airport expansion has already been completed. Responding positively, Naidu directed officials to complete the techno-economic feasibility report for the project within the next two months. He also asked authorities to appoint a suitable consultant and ensure the report is prepared within the stipulated timeframe.
Sukhu said a timely completion of the report would help accelerate the airport expansion project and pave the way for its faster execution. He also urged the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to make a realistic assessment of the project’s cost.
Another key issue discussed during the meeting was the development of heliports across Himachal Pradesh. Given the state’s mountainous terrain and many remote settlements, the Chief Minister stressed the need for a stronger heliport network to improve accessibility and ensure quick transportation during emergencies.
In a significant boost for the state, the Centre agreed to support the construction of heliports under the UDAN scheme, which aims to enhance regional air connectivity.
The possibility of introducing regular flights from Shimla Airport was also reviewed. The Union Minister assured the state government of support in improving air services from the capital city. Discussions also focused on operating aircraft suitable for the airport’s runway conditions and capacity.
Sukhu further requested that security responsibilities at Shimla Airport be handed over to the Himachal Pradesh Police, similar to the arrangement at Kangra Airport, instead of being managed by the CISF. The proposal received approval from the Union Ministry.
The Chief Minister said the state government is committed to strengthening air connectivity across Himachal. He noted that the expansion of Kangra Airport, the introduction of regular flights from Shimla and a stronger heliport network would not only benefit tourism but also make travel easier for people living in remote and far-flung areas of the state.
Senior officials, including Principal Advisor Ram Subhag Singh, Principal Secretary (Finance) Devesh Kumar, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Principal Resident Commissioner Ajay Kumar and other officers, were present during the meeting.
