Kangra Airport Expansion to Get Major Push as Centre Sets Two-Month Deadline for Feasibility Report.
New Delhi:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today met Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu in New Delhi and held detailed discussions on strengthening air connectivity and expanding aviation infrastructure across the State.
The expansion of Kangra Airport was taken up as a priority during the meeting, with Sukhu emphasising its importance for tourism and economic development in Himachal Pradesh. He said tourism plays a significant role in the State’s economy and improved air connectivity would facilitate the movement of tourists while giving further impetus to tourism-related activities.
The Chief Minister informed the Union Minister that the land acquisition process for the expansion of Kangra Airport has already been completed. In response, the Union Civil Aviation Minister directed the concerned authorities to finalise the techno-economic feasibility report (TEFR) for the airport expansion within two months.
Naidu also directed officials to appoint a competent consultant for the project and ensure that the feasibility report is completed within the stipulated timeframe.
Sukhu said that timely completion of the report would help accelerate the expansion project and enable it to move forward at a faster pace. He also urged the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to undertake a realistic assessment of the project cost so that the expansion could be planned effectively.
Centre Agrees to Fund Heliports Under UDAN
The Chief Minister also raised the issue of developing heliports at various locations across Himachal Pradesh, stressing the need for stronger air connectivity in view of the State’s difficult geographical terrain.
He said an expanded heliport network would be particularly important for connecting remote and inaccessible areas and ensuring quick access during emergencies. He sought financial assistance from the Central Government for the construction of heliports.
The Centre agreed to provide funding for the construction of heliports in Himachal Pradesh under the UDAN scheme, giving a significant boost to the State’s efforts to improve aviation connectivity in difficult and far-flung areas.
Regular Flights from Shimla Also Discussed
The operation of regular flights from Shimla Airport was another key issue discussed during the meeting. The Union Civil Aviation Minister assured the Chief Minister of necessary support for providing regular air connectivity to Shimla.
The two sides also discussed the possibility of operating suitable aircraft in accordance with the runway capacity of Shimla Airport, with the objective of improving the reliability and frequency of air services to the State capital.
Sukhu further urged the Union Government to entrust security arrangements at Shimla Airport to the Himachal Pradesh Police, instead of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), on the lines of Kangra Airport. The Union Ministry agreed to the proposal.
Focus on Remote Connectivity and Tourism
The Chief Minister said the State Government was committed to strengthening air connectivity across Himachal Pradesh. He said the expansion of Kangra Airport, regular air services from Shimla and the strengthening of the heliport network would collectively provide a major boost to tourism while improving connectivity for people living in remote and far-flung areas.
He emphasised that better aviation infrastructure was particularly important for a mountainous State like Himachal Pradesh, where difficult terrain often makes road connectivity challenging and time-consuming.
Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister Ram Subhag Singh, Principal Secretary (Finance) Devesh Kumar, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Principal Resident Commissioner Ajay Kumar and other senior officials were also present at the meeting.
