In a big boost that will lead to development in the Himachal Pradesh, the state is all set to get its first international airport at Nagchala in Mandi district in coming few years. The Airport Authority of India (AAI) has already conducted a survey near the area and has selected Nagchala for the construction in new International Airport.
Informing on the same, Jai Ram Thakur, Chief Minister, Himachal Pradesh, said, “The AAI has identified Nagchala in Mandi district as the best suitable place for developing the airport. In 2018, an Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) survey for the international airport was carried out; following which the authority found the location feasibility was high in its pre-emptive report.”
The CM further informed that the government has already identified 3,490 bighas of land for the development of the Airport. Of this around 3,160 bighas of land is owned by private developers while the rest 330 bighas of land fall under the State government.
In the earlier stages, the 2100 m-long runaway would be utilised for managing unidirectional flight operations which would be later on used for the multipurpose flight operations.
At present, there are three airports in the state. One is in Shimla and another two are in Gaggal and Bhunter in Kangra and Kullu districts respectively. However, none of these airports have enough facilities which must be there in an international Airport. While, domestic flights mostly operate for Gaggal airport, on the other hand, Shimla and Bhunter airports do not have options to serve for regular flight services and they can’t even accommodate the big number of passengers in one go.