Flight connecting Chandigarh, Kullu, Dharamsala on the cards

Shimla, August 23

In a bid to promote tourism, the Himachal Government will soon introduce a flight connecting Chandigarh, Kullu, and Dharamsala.

Discussions are currently underway with airlines and other stakeholders to launch this route, which aims at improving accessibility between two of the state’s major tourist destinations. The direct flight between Kullu and Dharamsala is expected to significantly benefit the tourism sector, addressing a longstanding demand from visitors.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasised the government’s commitment to attracting high-end tourists to the state. “Strengthening air connectivity is crucial for achieving our tourism goals and reducing travel time and costs for tourists is essential,” he stated. He said systematic development of tourism infrastructure would not only increase tourist footfalls but also help the local economy.

Four flight routes are currently operational, linking various tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh with other parts of the country. The Delhi-Shimla-Delhi and Shimla-Dharamsala-Shimla route operates daily, while the Amritsar-Shimla-Amritsar and Amritsar-Kullu-Amritsar routes were operational three days a week.

Sukhu said in addition to expanding flight routes, the state government was also developing new heliports to further improve air connectivity for tourists. An amount of Rs 13 crore has been allocated for the construction of heliports in Rakkar and Palampur in Kangra district, Chamba and Rekong Peo in Kinnaur district.

Sukhu said expansion of Kangra airport was underway with the land acquisition process having been initiated.