Kangra Airport Expansion Gains Momentum: ₹460 Crore Disbursed, ₹1,899 Crore More to Follow — CM Sukhu

During a review meeting of various ongoing projects under the Tourism Department held today, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that land awards amounting to ₹460 crore have been released and disbursed to beneficiaries for the expansion of Kangra Airport. He added that an additional ₹1,899 crore in land awards is ready for disbursement.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the expansion of Kangra Airport holds immense significance, as it will not only strengthen the economy of Kangra district but also benefit the adjoining regions. The project, he said, will give a major boost to tourism, generating employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth, while also attracting high-end tourists to the area.

Reviewing the progress of heliport projects across the State, the Chief Minister directed officials to expedite construction work. He informed that operational authorization for the Sanjauli and Rampur Bushair heliports has been granted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and operations should begin soon after completing the remaining formalities.

He also reviewed the ongoing construction of other heliports at Kagnidhar in Mandi district, Rakkar and Palampur in Kangra district, Sultanpur in Kullu district, Reckong Peo in Kinnaur district, and Jaskot in Hamirpur district, instructing that all projects be completed by next year. Enhanced air connectivity, he noted, will further strengthen tourism in these regions. He directed officials to identify new helicopter routes to facilitate tourist movement.

Highlighting tourism as a key pillar of the State’s economy, the Chief Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting tourism in a big way.

He also instructed officials to accelerate construction of the Auhar Tourist Complex in Bilaspur district, noting that 46 percent of the work has already been completed. Reviewing projects being executed with ADB funding, he urged the department to fast-track progress to ensure timely completion.

Principal Secretary (Tourism) Devesh Kumar, Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Director of Tourism Vivek Bhatia, and other senior officials were present at the meeting.