Himachal CM seeks increase in length of Shimla airport runway

Himachal Pradesh today urged to the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to increase the length of Shimla airport runway to facilitate landing of bigger aircraft in the state.
The request was made by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh when he met Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh here.
He also sought adequate budget to the Airports Authority of India for restoring the original length of the Shimla airport runway in a time-bound manner.
Singh told the Minister that this will help landing of normal flights in Shimla ahead of the winter tourist season.
He said the state government will provide all infrastructural and other assistance in restoring the original length of the runway.

The Chief Minister said the length of the Shimla airport runway has been effectively reduced to 3,800 feet from the original 4,100 feet due to soil erosion and said due to this the ATR aircraft cannot take off with full load there.

He said that AAI has drawn up a plan to restore the original length of the runway which will mitigate the load factor problem.
The Himachal CM also made a request for expansion of the Kullu airport and said the state government has conducted a feasibility study through IIT-Roorkee in consultation with the Airport Authority which has concluded that it can be further expanded. The presentation of the study has been made to the Civil Aviation Ministry.

Singh also sought allocation of adequate funds for expansion of Kullu airport.
He demanded advanced technology and equipment at Shimla, Kangra and Kullu airports so that larger aircraft could land during all weather conditions. He sought time-bound action in this regard keeping in view safety and convenience of passengers.