Himachal Pradesh News
Anurag Thakur Pushes Tourism Boost, Highway Reforms and Better Air Connectivity in Himachal Pradesh
Former Union Minister and Hamirpur MP Anurag Singh Thakur has stepped up focus on Himachal Pradesh’s tourism and infrastructure growth, raising key issues during a recent Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting held in Dharamsala.
Former Union Minister and Hamirpur MP Anurag Singh Thakur has stepped up focus on Himachal Pradesh’s tourism and infrastructure growth, raising key issues during a recent Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting held in Dharamsala.
During the meeting, Thakur reviewed several important tourism projects aimed at strengthening the state’s position as a major travel destination. One of the key highlights was the proposed redevelopment of the Chintpurni Temple under the Swadesh Darshan 2.0 programme. Calling the project crucial for religious tourism, he emphasized the need for timely execution and better coordination between central ministries, the state government, and related agencies.
Thakur also underlined the importance of promoting sustainable tourism in the state. He discussed the growing potential of adventure tourism and urged officials to ensure that development efforts remain environmentally balanced while creating new opportunities for local employment.
In a separate discussion with officials from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and NHIDCL, Thakur raised concerns over toll charges and highway user fees. He sought clarity on tariff structures and questioned the impact of the recently introduced state road tax, calling for a more balanced and transparent system for commuters.
Air connectivity was another major focus area. During a meeting with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, DGCA, and Airports Authority of India, Thakur pushed for urgent improvements in regional air travel. He strongly advocated for the expansion of Kangra Airport to handle increased passenger traffic and highlighted operational challenges at Shimla Airport that need immediate attention.
Thakur’s intervention reflects a broader push to strengthen Himachal Pradesh’s infrastructure while unlocking its tourism potential. With a mix of policy focus and on-ground execution, these developments are expected to play a key role in boosting the state’s economy and connectivity in the coming years.