Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh Boosts Connectivity: ₹500 Crore More Released for Kangra Airport Expansion
In a major push to strengthen air connectivity in Himachal Pradesh, the state government has released an additional 500 crore for the expansion of Kangra Airport in Gaggal. With this latest installment, the district administration has now received a total of 1,960 crore to accelerate land acquisition and compensation processes.
In a major push to strengthen air connectivity in Himachal Pradesh, the state government has released an additional 500 crore for the expansion of Kangra Airport in Gaggal. With this latest installment, the district administration has now received a total of 1,960 crore to accelerate land acquisition and compensation processes.
For the families living around the airport, this development marks both change and opportunity.
₹1,500 Crore Compensation Already Transferred
Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa confirmed that more than ₹1,500 crore has already been directly transferred into the bank accounts of affected families. So far, around 150 hectares of land have been acquired, impacting 942 families in the region.
“With the additional 500 crore released recently, compensation disbursement has been expedited,” he said.
The total estimated compensation requirement stands at around ₹2,500 crore. However, the currently released ₹1,960 crore is considered sufficient for ongoing land acquisition. Some payments remain pending due to intra-family ownership disputes, partition matters, and ongoing court cases.
Officials have assured that once legal formalities are completed, compensation in disputed cases will be processed without delay.
March 31 Deadline for Land Transfer
The district administration has set March 31 as the deadline to transfer the acquired land to the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Notices under Section 19 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, have already been issued.
Authorities clarified that acquisition of disputed land will proceed, even if compensation is temporarily delayed due to legal issues.
From Small Aircraft to Major Airlines
Currently, the airport operates with a runway length of 1,376 metres. This limits operations to smaller aircraft like the ATR 72, which typically carries 70–80 passengers. Because of this restriction, ticket prices are often higher and flights are sometimes disrupted during bad weather.
Once the expansion is complete, the runway will extend to 3,010 metres — a significant upgrade. This will allow larger aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 to operate from Kangra.
The result?
- Lower airfares due to increased competition
- Better flight frequency
- Direct connectivity to major metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai
Big Boost for Tourism and Local Economy
Kangra district is known for its scenic beauty, spiritual tourism, and proximity to destinations like Dharamshala and McLeod Ganj. Improved air connectivity is expected to significantly increase tourist inflow.
The hospitality sector, local businesses, transport services, and small traders are likely to benefit from the rise in visitors.
For many residents, the airport expansion represents more than infrastructure — it symbolizes new economic opportunities and stronger integration with the rest of the country.
Modern Navigation & Night Landing Facility
The upgraded airport will also feature modern navigation and landing systems. A night landing facility is planned, enabling round-the-clock operations. This will improve safety during heavy rain, fog, and other challenging weather conditions — a common issue in hilly regions.
Why This Expansion Matters
The ₹500 crore fresh allocation signals the government’s intent to fast-track the project. Once completed, Kangra Airport could transform from a small regional hub into a key aviation gateway for Himachal Pradesh.
For local families who have given up land, for businesses hoping for growth, and for travelers seeking easier access to the hills — this expansion could be a turning point.
