With an aim to boost tourism, the Himachal Pradesh government will launch new flight routes linking Chandigarh, Kullu, and Dharamshala. This initiative aims to improve access to these popular destinations and cater to a growing demand from visitors.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlighted the importance of enhancing air connectivity to attract high-end tourists and promote the state's tourism sector.
"Strengthening air routes is vital to achieving our tourism objectives, reducing travel time and costs for tourists," Sukhu stated.
The new direct flight route between Kullu and Dharamshala is expected to be particularly beneficial. It addresses a longstanding request from tourists and is poised to make travel more efficient between these key destinations.
Currently, Himachal Pradesh operates four flight routes connecting various tourist spots with other regions.
Daily flights run on the Delhi-Shimla-Delhi and Shimla-Dharamshala-Shimla routes, while the Amritsar-Shimla-Amritsar and Amritsar-Kullu-Amritsar routes operate thrice a week.
To further enhance connectivity, the state government is developing new heliports.
An allocation of Rs 13 crore has been set aside for heliport construction in Rakkar and Palampur (Kangra district), Reckong Peo (Kinnaur district), and Chamba district.
"The hilly terrain of Himachal Pradesh makes heliports a practical investment," Sukhu noted. "These facilities will not only attract more tourists by saving travel time but also offer crucial support to locals in emergencies."
The state government has also designated Kangra district as the tourism capital of Himachal Pradesh, with ongoing upgrades to tourism infrastructure aimed at boosting the area's appeal.
With these developments, the Himachal Pradesh government is adopting a focused approach to expand its tourism infrastructure, ensuring enhanced connectivity and greater economic benefits for the state.