Govt to spend Rs 2415 cr to strengthen tourism infra: CM

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today said that the state government will invest Rs 2,415 crore in the tourism sector to create employment avenues and strengthen tourism infrastructure in the state.

While reviewing projects of the Tourism Department here today, he said the tourism sector was the mainstay of economy and the State Government was prioritizing the early completion of ongoing projects. “The development of Shiv Dham in Mandi district would be undertaken with an outlay of Rs 150.27 crore and beautification of Baba Balak Nath temple in Hamirpur at a cost of Rs. 51.70 crore Nagrorta Bagwan and Palampur town in Kangra district at a cost of Rs. 78.09 crore,” he stated.

Sukhu said the wellness centres would be developed at Nadaun in Hamirpur, Nagrota Bagwan in Kangra and at Kullu and Manali with a total outlay of Rs. 280.39 crore. The State Government would allocate Rs. 8.64 crore for the conservation and restoration of Naggar Castle in Kullu, he added.

He said government was also promoting adventure tourism and a rafting complex would be constructed at Nadaun while ice skating and roller skating rinks would be established in Manali, Dharamsala and Shimla at a cost of Rs. 163.50 crore.

The Chief Minister said to offer better air connectivity, the state government was setting up heliports to improve connectivity. He also directed tourism department to procure operational authorization from the DGCA for hassle-free operations of the helicopter services in the existing heliports including, Sanjauli and Rampur of Shimla district, Kangani Dhar in Mandi district and Baddi heliport in Solan district. He further said that the State Government was also contemplating to set up drone stations in various parts of the state. He also instructed to ensure seven days flight on Dharamsala-Shimla route.

Chairman HPTDC Rughvir Singh Bali Principal was also present on the occasion.