Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Himachal Pradesh Plans Bigger Planes and More Heliports
The Centre is advancing a timeline-based expansion of Kangra Airport to accommodate bigger aircraft.
A techno-economic feasibility report for the expansion is expected to be finalised within two months.
Land acquisition for the Kangra Airport expansion has reportedly been completed.
The Centre agreed to provide financial assistance for heliports under the Modified UDAN scheme.
Officials discussed regular Shimla Airport flights and transferring its security from the Central Industrial Security Force to Himachal Pradesh Police.
- Who
- Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu.
- What
- They discussed expanding Kangra Airport, developing heliports, improving Shimla Airport flights and changing Shimla Airport’s security arrangements.
- When
- The meeting took place before the announcements reported in the article; the feasibility report was given a two-month target.
- Where
- The meeting was held in New Delhi, and the proposed projects concern airports and heliports across Himachal Pradesh.
- Why
- To improve tourism, last-mile connectivity to remote areas, emergency access and regular air service.
- Kangra Airport
- A timeline-based expansion is planned to accommodate bigger aircraft.
- Feasibility report
- The techno-economic feasibility report is to be finalised within two months.
- Land acquisition
- The Chief Minister said land acquisition for the Kangra Airport expansion has been completed.
- Heliport funding
- The Centre agreed to provide financial assistance for heliports under the Modified UDAN scheme.
- Remote connectivity
- Heliports are intended to improve access to remote and inaccessible areas.
- Shimla Airport
- Officials discussed providing regular flights and using aircraft suited to the airport’s runway capacity.
- Security proposal
- The Union Ministry agreed to the proposal to transfer Shimla Airport security from the Central Industrial Security Force to Himachal Pradesh Police.