Himachal Pradesh News
Union Budget 2026 : Budget ignores tourism-driven hill state, say Himachal Pradesh industry stakeholders
Tourism stakeholders across Himachal Pradesh, especially in the Kullu–Manali region, have expressed disappointment over the Union Budget 2026–27, saying it fails to address the core requirements of a tourism-dependent hill state.
Tourism stakeholders across Himachal Pradesh, especially in the Kullu–Manali region, have expressed disappointment over the Union Budget 2026–27, saying it fails to address the core requirements of a tourism-dependent hill state.
Industry representatives said the Budget does not include any specific provisions for tourism growth in Himachal Pradesh, barring a limited reference to mountain trail development, which they termed inadequate for a state where tourism is a major source of employment and revenue.
Former Hoteliers Association Manali president Anup Thakur said the Budget overlooked basic infrastructure needs essential for tourism expansion.
“Himachal Pradesh urgently requires expansion of the railway network, better air connectivity and improved road infrastructure. The development of new and unexplored tourist destinations should have been prioritised, but the Budget shows little focus on these areas,” he said.
Manali-based tourism stakeholder Budhi Prakash echoed similar concerns, stating that the industry had high expectations from the Budget, particularly on connectivity issues.
“Poor rail and air connectivity continues to hamper tourism growth in Himachal. While mountain trail development is a welcome step, it alone cannot ensure sustainable tourism or year-round economic stability,” he said.
The Budget also drew political criticism, with Congress leaders alleging neglect of Himachal Pradesh despite repeated natural disasters over the past two years. District Congress Committee Mandi spokesperson Vijay Kanav said floods, landslides and heavy rainfall had caused extensive damage to roads, bridges, drinking water schemes and tourism infrastructure, particularly in the Mandi parliamentary constituency.
“Despite large-scale devastation affecting tourism-related livelihoods, no special disaster relief package or tourism revival fund has been announced for Himachal Pradesh,” Kanav said. He added that demands raised by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for a green bonus, enhanced revenue deficit grant and special financial assistance for hill states were ignored.
Congress youth leader from Spiti, Chhewang Tandin alias Tanu, also criticised the Budget, calling it discriminatory towards Himachal Pradesh. He alleged that it failed to address employment generation, relief for poor and middle-class households, or meaningful support for tourism-driven regions.
Terming the Budget “a paper tiger with unrealistic projections”, Tandin accused the Centre of ignoring ground realities in hill states.
Tourism stakeholders and opposition leaders have jointly urged the Union Government to revisit its priorities and announce targeted measures for infrastructure development, disaster resilience and sustainable tourism in Himachal Pradesh, warning that continued neglect could have long-term consequences for the state’s economy and employment.
