Government of Himachal Pradesh (GoHP) seeks funds for development of Mandi and Kangra Airport

The Government of Himachal Pradesh (GoHP) has asked for funds from the central government for the development of Mandi International Airport and Kangra Airport in Himachal Pradesh. The GoHP has sought funds of Rs 10 billion for the Mandi International Airport project and Rs 4 billion for the Kangra Airport runway expansion project from the central government. The Mandi International Airport project involves the construction of an international airport at Mandi, nearly 153 km away from Shimla. It will be developed by a special purpose vehicle formed by the AAI (51 per cent) and the state government (49 per cent). The project cost is Rs 9 billion excluding the cost of land. The Kangra Airport runway expansion project involves the extension of the runway from 1,376 meters to 3,010 meters at Kangra airport in Gaggal district. It will cater to the operations of bigger planes like the Airbus 320.