SHIMLA – In a significant move toward transforming Himachal Pradesh into a premier tourism and aviation hub, a high-level meeting was held this week in the state capital between the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and Shri Kewal Singh Pathania, the Deputy Chief Whip and MLA from Shahpur.
The meeting focused on the rapid progress of the Gaggal Airport expansion and the development of the ambitious Aerocity project near Kangra. As the state gears up for an infrastructure overhaul, this collaboration marks a pivotal moment for the economic landscape of the region.
The Aerocity Vision: A New Era for Kangra
The proposed Aerocity is set to be more than just an extension of the airport; it is envisioned as a self-sustaining commercial and residential ecosystem. By integrating world-class hospitality, retail spaces, and corporate infrastructure, the state government aims to establish Kangra as the “Tourism Capital” of Himachal Pradesh.
During the discussion, Shri Kewal Singh Pathania briefed the Chief Minister on the ground-level status of land acquisition. He emphasized that the district administration is working tirelessly to ensure that the process remains transparent and fair to the local residents, particularly those in the Shahpur and Kangra subdivisions.
Key Infrastructure Highlights
The project is part of a larger ₹3,500 crore expansion plan that includes several critical upgrades:
- Runway Extension: The current runway is being extended from 1,376 meters to 3,010 meters, which will allow for the operation of large narrow-body aircraft like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.
- Increased Capacity: While the current terminal is limited to 100 passengers, the new infrastructure will accommodate much higher volumes, facilitating direct flights to major metros like Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad.
- Economic Hub: The Aerocity project is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs in the hospitality, transport, and service sectors.
Prioritizing Fair Compensation and Resettlement
One of the core themes of the meeting was the welfare of the displaced families. Chief Minister Sukhu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing compensation under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act.
The administration has already disbursed approximately ₹1,960 crore for the project, with additional funds earmarked for the rehabilitation of nearly 1,500 families. Special provisions are being discussed to ensure that families listed in ration cards and family registers—even those on allotted lands for decades—are treated at par with private landowners.
A Collaborative Push for Progress
Shri Kewal Singh Pathania, whose constituency encompasses nearly 70% of the airport area, expressed his gratitude to the Chief Minister for his proactive stance. He urged for the continued support of the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to expedite the remaining approvals.
The government has set a target to complete the land acquisition process by the end of 2026, paving the way for physical construction to begin. With the implementation of “Dawn to Dusk” flight operations in the interim, the region is already seeing a steady uptick in connectivity.
Why This Matters for Himachal
The synergy between the Aerocity and the expanded Gaggal Airport is expected to lower airfares significantly, making the Himalayas more accessible to international and domestic travelers. For the residents of Shimla and Kangra, this project represents a bridge to a more prosperous, connected future.
