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Himachal CM Pushes Tourism & Welfare Agenda in Kangra, Announces Key Infrastructure Boosts
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu reaffirmed Kangra as the state’s official “Tourism Capital” while launching major welfare and connectivity projects. He announced grants for women’s groups, rural road upgrades, and a ₹460-crore expansion plan for Kangra Airport to unlock larger tourism-driven economic opportunities.
Himachal CM Sukhu Advances Tourism and Welfare Agenda in Kangra
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Friday reaffirmed that the state government has officially designated Kangra district as the “Tourism Capital of Himachal Pradesh.” He said multiple tourism-focused projects are already underway to strengthen the region’s economic potential.
Addressing residents at the Sarkar Gaon Ke Dwar programme in Tangroti under the Dharamshala Assembly constituency, the Chief Minister engaged with locals and heard their concerns. During the event, he announced a grant of ₹1 lakh each for local women’s groups. He also approved funds for the Ramhead–Tangroti link road, tarring of the Tangroti link road, and several other rural roads in the surrounding areas. These interventions, he noted, would not only improve connectivity but also boost income opportunities for local communities in the years ahead.
Sukhu highlighted that the government has sanctioned ₹460 crore for the expansion of Kangra Airport to enable the landing of larger aircraft, which he said would significantly stimulate tourism. “This will transform the region’s tourism prospects and create new avenues of livelihood,” he added. Speaking about the recent bypolls, the Chief Minister accused the BJP of winning the Dharamshala seat through “false propaganda.” He claimed that Congress candidate Devinder Singh Jaggi narrowly lost to a defector who had joined the BJP.
Outlining his administration’s emphasis on strengthening public-sector services, Sukhu noted that Himachal Pradesh has recently achieved near-total literacy at 99.30 percent, placing it among the top five states in reading and writing. He said that due to reforms introduced by the current government, the state now ranks fifth nationally for quality education—up from 21st place during the previous BJP regime.
On healthcare, the Chief Minister said the state has made major strides for the first time, including the launch of robotic surgeries at AIIMS standards at Shimla’s Chamyana Hospital and Tanda Medical College in Kangra. The government has also approved ₹28 crore for a PET scan facility at Tanda, alongside a state-wide rollout of advanced CT scan and X-ray machines.
