CM Sukhu Lays Foundation Stone for Palampur Heliport, Paves Way for Affordable Air Connectivity.
Palampur, Kangra:
In a significant development aimed at enhancing connectivity and tourism in the region, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today laid the foundation stone for the much-anticipated Palampur Heliport, with an estimated cost of Rs. 19.77 crore. The heliport, expected to be completed by April next year, will feature a passenger terminal building, a fire station, a utility building, and various other amenities designed to ensure smooth operations for travelers.
Addressing a gathering after the foundation stone ceremony, CM Sukhu emphasized that the heliport would facilitate helicopter services to Chandigarh and Shimla at affordable fares, providing a much-needed boost to transportation and tourism in the region. “This heliport will not only improve connectivity but also open new avenues for tourism and economic growth in the region,” Sukhu stated.
He further announced that the state government was formulating multiple development plans for Kangra district, with a particular focus on Palampur. “A proposal to develop a Tourism Village in Palampur has already been prepared. However, some individuals, influenced by political interests, have approached the Court and obtained a stay order. We are actively working to resolve these challenges,” the Chief Minister said, underscoring the government’s commitment to turning Kangra into the Tourism Capital of Himachal Pradesh.
The heliport is expected to significantly reduce travel time between Palampur and major cities, thus promoting both domestic and international tourism. This, according to Sukhu, will also create new sources of income for the local population.
Earlier, the Chief Minister visited the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Gopalpur, where he interacted with patients and staff. He inspected the facilities and assured that the state government was focused on improving healthcare services across Himachal Pradesh. “We have allocated Rs. 3,000 crore for upgrading medical facilities, from medical colleges to district hospitals. New, advanced medical equipment is being installed to ensure that people receive quality healthcare services within the state,” Sukhu added.
MLA Ashish Butail also welcomed the Chief Minister’s initiatives, noting that the Chief Minister would soon visit the area again to dedicate projects worth around Rs. 300 crore. Butail further mentioned that the CM had assured funding for the construction of a new building at the Gopalpur CHC, as well as provisions for a digital X-ray facility and an ambulance to improve healthcare infrastructure.
The ceremony was attended by several prominent dignitaries, including HPTDC Chairman Raghubir Singh Bali, Chief Minister’s Political Advisor Sunil Sharma, Principal Advisor (IT & Innovation) Gokul Butail, Vice-Chairman HRTC Ajay Verma, Chairman of Himachal Pradesh Agriculture Development Bank Sanjay Singh Chauhan, Chairman HP Wool Federation Manoj Thakur, Chairman APMC Kangra Nishu Mongra, and Congress leader Devendra Jaggi, among others.
This latest move by the state government aligns with its vision to modernize infrastructure, improve healthcare, and transform Himachal Pradesh into a key tourism and business hub in the region.
