Nadda seeks modernisation of airports in Himachal

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda met Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju here and discussed proposals to improve air connectivity for Himachal Pradesh, an official statement said here on Friday.

"There has been a long felt need to improve air connectivity and strengthen civil aviation infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh. I have discussed several proposals with the civil aviation minister and he has assured all necessary support," an official statement quoting Nadda said.

The proposals which were discussed at the meeting included creation of aircraft fuelling facility at the Gaggal Airport in Dharamsala and increase in flights on Delhi-Kullu and Delhi-Dharamsala routes.

Nadda, who belongs to the hill state, also took up the issue of extending the operational hours at Kullu airport. This would go a long way in improving connectivity to Kullu, a key tourist destination.

It said Nadda discussed the possibility of providing incentives to encourage non-scheduled operators on Kullu-Chandigarh and Kullu-Delhi routes.

"The civil aviation minister also assured that to improve connectivity the possibility of starting helicopter services between Shimla and Chandigarh will also be explored," the health minister said.

"The civil aviation ministry would explore the possibility of starting additional flights during the winter season," he said.

Official sources said Shimla's airport at Jubbarhatti, located 2,196 metres above sea-level, has been shut for the scheduled flights since Sep 6, 2012, affecting tourists and business travellers to the state. However, the Kullu and Dharamsala airport have been operating.