Archive · 23 Jul 2025
Himachal Pradesh CM Seeks Support for Kangra Airport Expansion
The Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh wants to make the Kangra Airport bigger and better.
He's asked the central government for money and help.
They need more land, and they've already started buying it.
The CM also wants the airport's costs checked and is looking at ways to team up with others to expand.
He wants the airport to have night landing and better visibility options, as well as other improvements like extended operating hours and more flights to support the state.
They also want to build more heliports to improve air travel.
Himachal Pradesh CM requested special central assistance for Kangra Airport expansion.
The state needs 150 hectares of land and has initiated acquisition with awards worth over ₹1,900 crore.
CM Sukhu urged review of Kangra Airport's cost assessment and explored a tripartite agreement for expansion.
He requested provisions for Special VFR, night landing facilities, and extended watch hours at Shimla Airport.
Additional requests included resuming flights, authorizing heliports, and expanding air connectivity via UDAN.
- Who
- Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu.
- What
- Himachal Pradesh CM requested assistance to expand Kangra Airport.
- When
- The Chief Minister made the request in a written communication on Wednesday.
- Where
- Himachal Pradesh, specifically Kangra and Shimla Airports.
- Why
- To expand and improve air travel infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh.
Himachal Pradesh Government
Union Government
Funding Assistance
Himachal Pradesh Government
State government seeks Special Central Assistance to expedite the airport expansion.
Union Government
The Ministry of Finance and Prime Minister’s Office to review the project for financial aid.
- Land Required
- Approximately 150 hectares
- Land Acquisition Awards
- Over ₹1,900 crore
- Funds Disbursed
- ₹410 crore
- Current Kangra Airport Operations
- Visual Flight Rules (VFR)
- Requested Shimla Airport Watch Hours
- Extended from 1:00 PM to 4 PM
- Target Date for Heliport Authorization
- October 2025