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Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasised that the expansion of Kangra airport is vital for the state's economic growth, boosting tourism and creating local employment. At a review meeting in Shimla, he said the upgraded airport will attract high-end travellers and strengthen infrastructure across Kangra and nearby districts. Sukhu also reviewed heliport projects in Mandi, Kangra, Kullu, Kinnaur, and Hamirpur, directing officials to ensure completion by next year. With DGCA approval for the Sanjauli and Rampur Bushair heliports, operations will begin soon. The state is also developing new air routes and ADB-funded projects to improve tourism connectivity and facilities statewide.
During a recent review meeting on tourism department projects in Shimla, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlighted that the expansion of Kangra airport held immense importance for the state's economic development. He stated that the project would stimulate the economy of Kangra district as well as neighbouring areas by enhancing tourism infrastructure. Sukhu noted that the upgraded airport was expected to encourage greater tourist inflow, especially among high-end travellers, while also generating employment and self-employment opportunities for local residents. Advertisement
The chief minister further reviewed the progress of multiple heliport projects being developed across Himachal Pradesh. He instructed officials to ensure timely completion of these facilities to improve connectivity and tourist convenience. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted operational authorisation for the Sanjauli and Rampur Bushair heliports, and operations are set to commence soon after completing the remaining formalities.
Ongoing construction work at heliports located in Kagnidhdar (Mandi district), Rakkar and Palampur (Kangra district), Sultanpur (Kullu district), Reckongpeo (Kinnaur district), and Jaskot (Hamirpur district) was also reviewed. The chief minister directed the concerned departments to ensure that these projects are completed by next year.
Sukhu urged officials to identify and activate new helicopter routes to further facilitate tourism movement within the state. He reiterated that tourism remained a central pillar of Himachal Pradesh's economy and reaffirmed the government's commitment to expanding related infrastructure. Additionally, he instructed the authorities to expedite the ongoing construction of the Auhar tourist complex in Bilaspur district, where nearly half the work has already been completed.
Projects funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) were also reviewed during the meeting. The chief minister asked for accelerated implementation of these initiatives to strengthen tourism facilities across the state.
The Himachal Pradesh government's continued focus on infrastructure and tourism development underlines its effort to strengthen regional connectivity and economic growth. With significant funds already allocated and multiple heliport projects nearing completion, the expansion of Kangra airport stands as a key milestone in this plan. Once operational, these projects are expected to drive higher tourist inflow, enhance travel convenience, and create diverse employment avenues across the hill state.
Source - PTI
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