MP thanks Union Minister for NHAI takeover of Pathankot–Chamba–Bharmaur road; Centre says Kangra Airport expansion awaits state land transfer
Shimla | July 29: BJP Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Mahajan on Tuesday said the Central Government is committed to giving a major boost to Himachal Pradesh’s road and aviation infrastructure following his meeting with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.
During the meeting, Mahajan discussed key issues related to national highways, road connectivity, and infrastructure development across the state, with a special focus on improving connectivity in remote and tribal areas.
Mahajan expressed gratitude to Gadkari for bringing the Pathankot–Chamba–Bharmaur road project under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and initiating work on the project. He said the highway will significantly improve connectivity for the Chamba and Bharmaur regions, while providing a boost to tourism and socio-economic development.
He said the Narendra Modi-led Central Government is making unprecedented investments in roads, transport and infrastructure, ensuring that even remote regions of Himachal are connected to the mainstream of development.
Kangra Airport Expansion Awaiting State Government
In a separate development, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol, replying to a question raised by Harsh Mahajan in the Rajya Sabha, said the Centre is continuously working to strengthen air connectivity in Himachal Pradesh.
The minister informed that Shimla Airport currently operates flights to Delhi and Dharamshala, Kangra (Gaggal) Airport is connected to Delhi, Jewar, Chandigarh and Shimla, while Kullu-Bhuntar Airport has connectivity to Amritsar, Delhi and Jaipur.
He said the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has prepared a proposal for the expansion of Kangra Airport, which requires 369.82 acres of additional land. However, the required land has not yet been handed over by the Himachal Pradesh Government. As per the National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016, providing land for airport expansion is the responsibility of the state government.
The minister further stated that geographical constraints and difficult terrain make the expansion of Kullu-Bhuntar Airport and the runway extension at Shimla Airport unfeasible under present conditions.
₹51.11 Crore Approved for Heliport Infrastructure
The Centre informed that 40 air routes have become operational in Himachal Pradesh under the UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme. Helicopter services are currently operating from Rampur, Mandi, Reckong Peo and Sanjauli.
The Union Government has approved ₹51.11 crore for heliport infrastructure development in the state, of which ₹37.31 crore has already been spent.
The minister also said that under the next phase of the UDAN scheme, ₹3,661 crore has been earmarked between 2026-27 and 2035-36 for developing 200 heliports in hilly, North-Eastern and aspirational districts. He added that the Himachal Pradesh Government can identify suitable sites and submit proposals for new heliports, which will be considered based on operational feasibility.
Harsh Mahajan said the Centre remains fully committed to strengthening Himachal’s transport and aviation infrastructure and urged the state government to provide the required land for Kangra Airport expansion so that the project can be completed without further delay, benefiting tourism, trade and the state’s economy.
