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AAI Clears Design for Runway Bridge Over Manjhi Khad, Paving the Way for Kangra Airport Expansion
The Airports Authority of India has approved the design of a runway bridge over Manjhi Khad—an essential step in the Kangra Airport expansion project. The decision follows extensive technical feasibility studies, with authorities favouring this alignment for its geographic advantages and minimal social impact. Compensation to landowners is underway as the state accelerates key project components.
Design for Manjhi Khad Bridge Approved for Kangra Airport Expansion
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has approved the design of the proposed runway bridge over Manjhi Khad, a crucial component of the Kangra Airport expansion project.
As the sole nodal agency responsible for approving aviation infrastructure and runway alignment plans, AAI reviewed the proposal jointly prepared by the Central Water and Power Research Station (CWPRS), Pune, and WAPCOS Limited. Both agencies were tasked with conducting the technical evaluation.
They submitted a comprehensive 135-page technical feasibility report earlier this year to the Himachal Pradesh government. The document detailed the bridge’s construction parameters, structural specifications, and the layout of the proposed pillars.
A previous proposal to extend the existing runway northwards—from the Dharamshala-Sarah side—had been deemed technically unfeasible. Expert committees, including members reviewing the Social Impact Assessment (SIA), had raised concerns over the environmental and geographical challenges associated with that alignment. Similarly, alternative plans for a greenfield airport at Lunj or Borkuvalu were also found impractical.
AAI subsequently recommended constructing a bridge across Manjhi Khad, identifying it as the most viable option due to favourable terrain conditions and minimal displacement of local residents. These geographic advantages and the low social impact were key factors in securing final approval for the bridge design.
Meanwhile, the state government has already disbursed ₹460 crore in compensation to landowners, with an additional ₹1,899 crore expected to be released soon to complete the acquisition process.
According to Vinay Sharma, Deputy Director of the Tourism Department, work on several major technical components of the project is progressing rapidly, and the government has already completed multiple critical phases.
