TBM Staff - Mumbai
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Wednesday that by March next year, flights will operate at Kangra airport from sunrise to sunset. The approval for this has already been granted. In addition, the state government will provide additional security personnel to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to ensure smooth operations.
During a review meeting at the mini-secretariat in Dharamshala, Sukhu emphasised his personal commitment to monitoring the progress of key projects aimed at transforming Kangra into the tourism capital of Himachal Pradesh. These projects include the development of a zoo in Bankhandi, water sports facilities at Pong Lake, the expansion of Kangra airport, and the establishment of an advanced milk plant in Dhangwar.
Sukhu further highlighted that the expansion of Kangra airport is a vital part of the state’s vision for the region. The airport’s current runway length of 1,376 meters will be extended to 3,010 meters to accommodate larger aircraft, which is expected to boost tourism and connectivity.
The expansion plan requires the acquisition of land from 14 revenue villages across eight panchayats. This land acquisition is an essential step for the successful completion of the project, which aims to make Kangra more accessible to travellers and improve overall infrastructure.
The Chief Minister’s efforts align with his broader goal of enhancing the tourism sector in the state. The development of Kangra airport, along with other proposed projects, is expected to play a pivotal role in boosting the region’s appeal to both domestic and international tourists.
