Shanta Kumar thanks CM for IIT extension centre
Senior BJP leader and former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shanta Kumar has expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for approving an IIT extension centre in Palampur. He called it a significant step for higher education and technological growth in the state.
Kumar highlighted Sukhu’s commitment to Kangra’s development, citing the Gaggal airport expansion as a transformative project for tourism and employment. He also appreciated Gokul Butail, Principal Adviser (IT & Innovation) to the CM, for his role in securing the project’s approval from the Union Government.
He stated that 52 hectares of land have already been transferred for the IIT campus, and an additional 31 hectares will be processed for FCA clearance.
Recalling his tenure as CM, Kumar noted his contributions to Palampur, including the establishment of HP Agriculture University and CSIR-IHBT. He said Palampur will benefit from better connectivity with the upcoming four-lane highway, reducing travel time to Pathankot to two hours. The planned extension of Gaggal Airport will further boost accessibility. — OC