Diary Times News Service
Shimla, August 14: The Himachal Pradesh government has taken a significant step to boost its tourism sector by inviting tenders for 11 major projects totalling ₹696.47 crore. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the development during a meeting of the tourism department, stressing the role of the projects in strengthening the state’s tourism infrastructure and attracting more visitors.
“Tourism is a vital sector for our economy, which directly or indirectly supports the livelihood of thousands of families,” the chief minister said. “It is essential to enhance the overall tourism experience in the state and create new infrastructure.” By July 2024, the number of tourists visiting Himachal Pradesh has seen a significant increase, reaching 1.13 crore, further underlining the state’s growing appeal as a major tourist destination.
These projects include several initiatives aimed at improving tourism facilities across the state:
- Convention Centre at Dharamshala: The project to be constructed at a cost of Rs 161.91 crore aims to establish Dharamshala as a major destination for national and international conferences.
- Beautification of Palampur and Nagrota Bagwan: Significant improvements will be made in these towns at a cost of Rs 95.50 crore.
- Wellness Centre at Nadaun: To be constructed at a cost of Rs 91.42 crore, the centre will cater to the growing demand for wellness tourism.
- Tourist facilities at Baba Balaknath Deothsidh: The estimated cost of this project located in Hamirpur district is Rs 65.32 crore.
- Rafting Complex at Nadaun: A new adventure sports hub with a budget of Rs 64 crore.
- Wellness Centre at Banuti, Shimla: This facility costing Rs 58.37 crore will make Shimla even more attractive as a wellness destination.
- Wellness Centre in Manali: With a budget of ₹45.25 crore, it will enhance Manali’s identity as a wellness retreat.
- Ice Skating and Roller Skating Rink in Dharamshala: A dual-purpose rink has been planned at a cost of ₹39.51 crore.
- Ice Skating and Roller Skating Rink in Shimla: Another dual-purpose facility will be developed at a cost of ₹34.85 crore.
- Wellness Centre in Kullu: With an outlay of ₹27.76 crore, this centre will boost tourism in Kullu.
- Restoration of Naggar Castle in Kullu: A heritage project with an estimated cost of ₹11.57 crore.
Chief Minister Sukhu directed the concerned officials to expedite the implementation of these projects and complete them within the stipulated time frame.
The state government has declared Kangra district as the “tourism capital” of Himachal Pradesh, and plans to develop the Pong Dam as an internationally renowned bird-watching spot and a national centre for excellence in water sports. The Kangra airport is also undergoing expansion, aimed at attracting high-end tourists to the region.
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