The proposed expansion of Kangra Airport in Himachal Pradesh has moved forward, with Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu directing officials to complete the project’s techno-economic feasibility report within two months. The directive came during a meeting with Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in New Delhi.
Sukhu said the expansion was important for strengthening tourism and supporting economic activity in the region, and informed Naidu that the land acquisition required for the expansion had already been completed. Naidu asked officials to appoint a competent consultant and ensure the feasibility assessment is completed within the specified timeframe, while Sukhu urged the Airports Authority of India to carry out a realistic assessment of the project cost.
The meeting also covered plans to improve air access to remote areas of Himachal Pradesh through heliports. Sukhu sought Central assistance for heliport development, particularly for improving connectivity and supporting emergency services, and the Centre agreed to provide funding for heliport construction under the UDAN scheme.
Regular flight operations from Shimla Airport were another issue discussed. Naidu assured support for improving services and said suitable aircraft would be considered based on the airport’s runway capacity. The Union minister also agreed to Sukhu’s proposal to transfer security responsibilities at Shimla Airport from the Central Industrial Security Force to the Himachal Pradesh Police.
