· Attends Shimla Hotel and Restaurant Association event
· Calls for investment in tourism infrastructure and hospitality sector
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while presiding over a programme organized by the Shimla Hotel and Restaurant Association on Sunday evening, said that developing the tourism industry remains a key priority of the state government and concerted efforts are being undertaken to transform Himachal Pradesh into a world class tourist destination. He said that major efforts are being made to promote it.
He said that infrastructure should be developed in a manner that tourists visiting Himachal Pradesh stay for at least 8 to 10 days. He added that the state government was developing heliports in various parts of the state to attract high-end tourists. Helicopter services at the Palampur, Hamirpur, Dharamshala and Chamba heliports would begin by June this year. He also said that flight services have already started for the Reckong Peo heliport to promote border tourism, which would improve air connectivity.
The Chief Minister said he has requested the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to start services for larger helicopters in Shimla. However, due to operational difficulties at the Sanjauli heliport, land is being identified at another location in Shimla. He further stated that the government was focusing on tunneling and ropeway construction to improve connectivity across the state. Apart from Shimla, the cities of Dharamshala, Manali and Kasauli are also being developed in a planned and phased manner.
He said the government has declared Kangra district as the tourism capital of the state. Land acquisition amounting to approximately Rs. 3,500 crore is currently underway for the expansion of Kangra Airport and the process is expected to be completed by June this year, after which expansion work will commence. He added that if residents near Bhuntar Airport provide land, the government would also consider its expansion. He also stated that the Bhubhu-Jot tunnel from Jogindernagar would be constructed to facilitate travel for tourists visiting Kullu, Manali and Lahaul-Spiti from the airport.
The Chief Minister said the state government was paying special attention to the tourism sector and has approved an international-level convention centre worth Rs. 500 crore at Tapovan in Dharamshala with a seating capacity of 5,000 people. In addition, a zoo of an international-standard is being established in Kangra district, with an investment of over Rs. 600 crore.
Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu further said that the government was also promoting religious tourism in the state. During the current financial year, Rs. 300 crore would be spent on the development of the Naina Devi Ji, Jwala Ji and Chintpurni Shaktipeeths. He added that the government was making efforts to acquire land near the Shimla Ice Skating Rink to build an international-level convention centre in the city.
The Chief Minister stated that the state government was committed to preserving Shimla’s historic charm and has initiated several beautification projects in the city. Electricity and other utility wires are being shifted underground through utility ducts. The government has allocated Rs. 150 crore for widening the Shimla Circular Road to ease traffic congestion. He also announced that a tunnel from Talland to IGMC in Shimla would be constructed at a cost of Rs. 900 crore. To solve the water problem in Shimla, the government has initiated lifting water from the Sutlej River near Sunni.
He said the government was investing Rs. 3,000 crore for the construction of hotels, wellness centres and wayside amenities. The state was also promoting adventure tourism. To further enhance the tourist experience, a modern riverfront is being developed in Manali, and new tourist destinations are also being identified and developed in a phased manner.
The Chief Minister said that after the implementation of the GST, the state suffered significant tax losses from the Baddi-Barotiwala industrial area and is now receiving only Rs. 150-200 crore compared to Rs. 4,000 crore earlier. He said the tourism sector can play a major role in compensating for this loss.
Sh. Sukhu urged investors to come forward and invest in the tourism sector, assuring them that the government would provide every possible support and consider their concerns sympathetically.
Among those present on the occasion were MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Municipal Corporation Shimla Surinder Chauhan, Chairman Himachal Pradesh State Cooperative Bank Devendra Shyam, Advocate General Anoop Rattan, OSD to the Chief Minister Ritesh Kapret, President Shimla Hotel and Restaurant Association Anil Walia and other dignitaries.
