CM Sukhu Seeks Centre’s Support for Kangra Airport Expansion, Enhanced Air Connectivity in Himachal.
New Delhi:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu yesterday called on Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and sought the Centre’s support for strengthening aviation infrastructure and air connectivity in Himachal Pradesh, with a special focus on the expansion of Kangra airport.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister urged the Union Minister to provide special central assistance (grant) for the expansion of Kangra airport and requested speedy resolution of issues related to the project. Highlighting the immense tourism potential of Kangra district, he said the state government was implementing several ambitious tourism projects aimed at attracting a large number of visitors, for which enhanced air connectivity was crucial.
The Chief Minister also requested the introduction of special visual flight rules to reduce the minimum visibility criteria from the existing 5 km to 2.5 km. He said this measure would help ensure continued flight operations during reduced visibility conditions, thereby improving reliability of air services in the hill state.
Raising operational and financial concerns, CM Sukhu discussed the proposal to hand over security of Kullu and Shimla airports to the State Police in place of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), citing the relatively low number of flights and passengers. He noted that the move would significantly reduce the financial burden on the state. Additionally, he requested extension of flight operation hours at Shimla airport up to 4:00 pm to facilitate an increase in the number of flights.
The Chief Minister also sought an increase in the frequency of flights on the Chandigarh–Shimla–Chandigarh sector and pressed for early sanction of four proposed heliports to further improve regional connectivity.
Responding positively, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu directed concerned officers to hold a joint meeting with state officials and prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the expansion of Kangra airport. He assured the Chief Minister of full support from the Union Government for the state’s aviation-related initiatives.
Chief Minister’s Principal Advisor Ram Subhag Singh was also present during the meeting.
