HPTDC Creates History with Turnover Crossing ₹100 Crore for the First Time; CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Applauds the Achievement

Shimla, April 30: The Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) has achieved a historic milestone by crossing a turnover of ₹100 crore for the first time, thanks to the consistent efforts of the present state government. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made the announcement while presiding over a review meeting of HPTDC and the Tourism Department in Shimla today.

He noted that under the previous BJP-led government, HPTDC had an annual turnover of ₹78 crore. Despite facing challenges such as natural calamities, the present administration has managed to boost the turnover to ₹107 crore. The Chief Minister attributed this success to improved management, regular upkeep of hotels and restaurants, and optimal use of assets.

The Chief Minister also pointed out that as a result of this increased profitability, the corporation has disbursed ₹41 crore to pensioners over the last two and a half years—significantly more than the ₹26 crore disbursed during the BJP government’s five-year term.

He instructed officials to continue enhancing service quality and to explore the possibility of leasing underutilized HPTDC properties to private players for operations and maintenance. He also appreciated the recent MoU signed between HPTDC and the Food & Civil Supplies Corporation to ensure timely supply of ration and essential items to HPTDC hotels.

Reviewing ongoing tourism development projects, the Chief Minister directed the department to accelerate implementation to enhance tourist facilities and contribute to the state’s revenue. He mentioned that the state government is investing ₹2,415 crore to strengthen tourism infrastructure, develop wayside amenities, and promote adventure tourism.

He also emphasized providing food vans to locals and launching a hop-on, hop-off luxury bus service on key tourist routes. Additionally, he called for the timely completion of projects like the Shiv Dham in Mandi and beautification work around Renuka Lake.

The Chief Minister further instructed officials to ensure operational readiness of heliports to improve air connectivity across major tourist destinations and reviewed the expansion plans for Kangra, Shimla, and Bhuntar airports.

HPTDC Chairman Raghubir Singh Bali, MLA Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, Director of Tourism Vivek Bhatia, CM’s OSD Gopal Sharma, and other senior officials attended the meeting.