The Union government has fast-tracked the Kangra Airport expansion with a two-month deadline for the feasibility report. Additionally, it has approved new heliports across Himachal Pradesh under the UDAN scheme to improve connectivity. The Centre also agreed to transfer security at Shimla Airport to local police forces.
The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced key decisions to boost aviation infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh, following a high-level meeting between Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The primary focus is the expansion of Kangra Airport, a critical project for the state’s tourism and economic connectivity, which has now entered a time-bound planning phase.
Kangra Airport Expansion and Engineering Focus
The Union government has mandated the finalization of a techno-economic feasibility report for the Kangra Airport project within the next two months. With the state government having already completed land acquisition, the project is moving toward the planning and consultancy stage. The expansion is aimed at extending the runway to accommodate larger aircraft, which is essential for handling higher passenger volumes. However, the project involves complex engineering tasks, including a proposed runway bridge across the Manjhi River, which will require precise execution to meet safety and aviation standards.
Expanding Connectivity via Heliports
Beyond the Kangra development, the Centre has approved funding for the construction of multiple heliports across the state under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN). These heliports are designed to provide better access to remote and rugged regions, where traditional road infrastructure often faces seasonal disruptions. By integrating these heliports into the broader aviation network, the government aims to improve emergency response capabilities and support tourism in less accessible areas. The success of these projects will rely on steady federal viability gap funding and the ability to generate sufficient commercial demand to maintain long-term operations.
Security Transition at Shimla Airport
In another administrative change, the Ministry has accepted the Himachal Pradesh government's proposal to replace the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) with the state police for security duties at Shimla Airport. This move brings Shimla’s security management in line with the model currently used at other regional transit hubs. While the transition aims to streamline airport administration and reduce central deployment burdens, the effectiveness of this change will depend on the state police’s ability to uphold the stringent security protocols required for commercial flight operations. Consistent reliability at the airport will also require aligning aircraft technical requirements with the existing runway capacity, a subject currently being evaluated by aviation officials.
These developments mark a strategic shift in the state's aviation strategy, aiming to balance infrastructure growth with local operational control. Investors and stakeholders in the infrastructure and tourism sectors will be watching for the outcome of the feasibility study for Kangra, as it will determine the project's total cost, construction timeline, and the bidding process for future development contracts.