Himachal CM urges for accelerating expansion work of Kangra airport

The Voice of Chandigarh:

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called on Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia at New Delhi.

The Chief Minister discussed the proposed expansion of Kangra airport from 1376 meters to 3010 meters for the operation of A320 aircraft. He requested that necessary direction be given to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) for starting expansion work and added that the state government will complete the land acquisition process.

The state government intends to construct heliports in district headquarters as well as in tribal areas, said Sukhu. He also urged to speed up the process for construction of 9 proposed heliports in the state in the first phase and added that these heliports are significant for boosting tourism in the tribal and remote areas as well as to provide emergency medical services and evacuation of local people and tourists in case if stranded in snow bound areas. 

The Chief Minister also discussed operationalisation of Sanjauli heliport and requested to start additional flights from Chandigarh to Kullu to facilitate tourists. He added that at present three flights are operational for Shimla, four for Dharamshala but only one for Kullu which is not enough keeping in view the high number of tourist influx.

The Union Minister apprised that heliports for Rakkad, Palampur, Chamba and Reckong Peo were being considered under UDAAN and rest of the heliports would be considered under next phase. He also directed the officers of the Ministry to speed up the process of operationalisation of Sanjauli heliport. He assured of all possible support to the state.

Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Bharat Khera, Resident Commissioner, Meera Mohanty and Principal Private Secretary to the Chief Minister, Vivek Bhatia were also present in the meeting.