Himachal Pradesh Seeks Central Push for Kangra Airport Expansion and Heliport Network

Himachal Pradesh Seeks Central Push for Kangra Airport Expansion and Heliport Network

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, in a recent visit to New Delhi, met with Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia to push for key infrastructure projects aimed at boosting tourism and connectivity in the state. The two leaders discussed the proposed expansion of Kangra airport, the development of a network of heliports across the state, and the operationalization of the Sanjauli heliport.

Kangra Airport Expansion:

At the forefront of the discussions was the expansion of Kangra airport, located in Gaggal. Currently, the airport’s runway length restricts it to handling smaller aircraft, limiting connectivity options and hindering tourism potential. Chief Minister Sukhu requested the Minister’s support in expediting the expansion project, which would extend the runway from 1376 meters to 3010 meters, enabling it to accommodate larger Airbus A320 aircraft. This expansion would open up new flight routes and attract more tourists to the scenic state.

Himachal Pradesh’s Heliport Ambitions:

Recognizing the potential of heliports for enhancing tourism and emergency services in remote and mountainous areas, Himachal Pradesh is keen on developing a comprehensive network. Chief Minister Sukhu urged the Minister to prioritize the construction of nine proposed heliports in the first phase, particularly in district headquarters and tribal areas. These heliports would not only provide convenient access for tourists but also act as crucial lifelines for medical evacuations and rescue operations in challenging terrains.

Sanjauli Heliport and Additional Flights:

The operationalization of the Sanjauli heliport near Shimla was another key topic of discussion. The Chief Minister sought the Minister’s assistance in speeding up the process to make the heliport functional. Additionally, he requested the introduction of more flights from Chandigarh to Kullu, a popular tourist destination currently served by only one flight despite its high tourist influx. Expanding flight options would cater to the growing demand and further boost tourism in the region.

Positive Response from the Union Minister:

Union Minister Scindia assured the Chief Minister of his full support and cooperation. He acknowledged the importance of the Kangra airport expansion project and promised to direct the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to expedite the process. Regarding the heliport network, he confirmed that four proposed heliports, including Rakkad, Palampur, Chamba, and Reckong Peo, were being considered under the UDAAN scheme, with the remaining to be included in the next phase. The Minister also expressed commitment to speeding up the operationalization of the Sanjauli heliport and exploring the possibility of additional flights to Kullu.

Himachal Pradesh’s tourism industry stands to benefit immensely from these infrastructure developments. The expansion of Kangra airport will open up new gateways for travel, while the heliport network will provide convenient access to remote areas and enhance emergency response capabilities. The operationalization of the Sanjauli heliport and potentially more flights to Kullu will further improve connectivity and cater to the growing demand from tourists.