CM meets Union Civil Aviation Minister

SHIMLA 9 September, 2026

• Union Minister directs to finalize techno-economic feasibility report for Kangra Airport expansion within two months
• Centre agrees to provide funding for construction of heliports under UDAN scheme

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today met Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu in New Delhi and held detailed discussions on various issues related to strengthening air connectivity and expanding aviation infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh.
The Chief Minister took up the matter of expansion of Kangra Airport on priority, highlighting its importance for tourism development in the State. He said tourism plays a significant role in the State’s economy and that improved air connectivity would facilitate the movement of tourists and provide further impetus to tourism activities. He informed the Union Minister that the land acquisition process for the expansion of Kangra Airport has already been completed.
During the meeting, the Union Civil Aviation Minister directed the concerned authorities to finalise the techno-economic feasibility report for the expansion of Kangra Airport within two months. He directed the officials to appoint a competent consultant for the project and ensure that the report is finalised within the stipulated timeframe.
The Chief Minister said that if the techno-economic feasibility report is finalised within two months, the expansion process of Kangra Airport would gain momentum and the project could move forward at a faster pace. He also urged the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to undertake a realistic assessment of the project cost.
The Chief Minister also raised the issue of heliports being developed in various parts of the state, keeping in view Himachal Pradesh’s difficult geographical terrain. He said that strengthening the heliport network was essential to provide better air connectivity to remote and inaccessible areas and to ensure quick access during emergencies. He sought Central support for the construction of heliports.
The Centre agreed to provide funding for the construction of heliports in Himachal Pradesh under the UDAN scheme.
The operation of regular flights from Shimla Airport was also discussed during the meeting. The Union Civil Aviation Minister assured necessary support for providing regular air connectivity to Shimla. The possibilities of operating suitable aircraft in accordance with the runway capacity of Shimla Airport were also discussed.
The Chief Minister further urged that, on the lines of Kangra Airport, the security arrangements at Shimla Airport be entrusted to the Himachal Pradesh Police instead of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). The Union Ministry agreed to the proposal.
The Chief Minister said that the State Government was committed to strengthening air connectivity across Himachal Pradesh. He said that the expansion of Kangra Airport, regular air connectivity from Shimla Airport and strengthening of the heliport network would not only provide a boost to tourism but also improve air connectivity for people living in remote and far-flung areas of the State.
Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister, Ram Subhag Singh; Principal Secretary (Finance) Devesh Kumar; Secretary to the Chief Minister Rakesh Kanwar, Principal Resident Commissioner Ajay Kumar and other senior officials were present in the meeting.