Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated on Monday that the Himachal Pradesh government is concentrating on building infrastructure to persuade tourists to stay in the state for at least eight to ten days.
Infrastructure Development for Tourism
Addressing a program hosted by the Shimla Hotel and Restaurant Association on Sunday evening, Sukhu highlighted that heliports, tunnels, ropeways, and convention centers are being developed to strengthen tourism and enhance connectivity. He mentioned that helicopter services at Palampur, Hamirpur, Dharamshala, and Chamba heliports would commence by June this year. Additionally, flights from Reckong Peo have already started to promote border tourism.
Heliport and Airport Upgrades
The Chief Minister noted that the state government has requested the Union civil aviation ministry to permit larger helicopter services in Shimla. Due to operational challenges at the Sanjauli heliport, alternative land is being identified. Sukhu declared Kangra as the tourism capital of the state and said that land acquisition worth approximately Rs 3,500 crore for the expansion of Kangra Airport is expected to be completed by June.
Key Projects and Connectivity
Sukhu added that the Bhubhu-Jot tunnel from Jogindernagar will improve access to Kullu, Manali, and Lahaul-Spiti. He also highlighted several projects, including a Rs 500 crore international convention center at Tapovan in Dharamshala, an international-standard zoo in Kangra, and substantial investments in hotels, wellness centers, and adventure tourism. Furthermore, Rs 300 crore will be allocated for the development of the Naina Devi, Jwala Ji, and Chintpurni shrines.
Economic Impact of Tourism
The Chief Minister emphasized that tourism could help offset the significant revenue losses the state has experienced following the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). He explained that after GST came into effect, the state suffered major tax losses from the Baddi-Barotiwala industrial area, with current revenue of only Rs 150-200 crore compared to the previous Rs 4,000 crore.
