Himachal now sets Nov 2026 deadline for completion of Shongtong hydel project
During the meeting, Sukhu directed officials to ensure timely execution of the project and prepare a power evacuation plan to avoid monetary losses once the project becomes operational. Once completed, the Shongtong hydel project in Kinnaur is expected to generate 1,579 million units of electricity annually, translating into a financial benefit of approximately ₹1,706 crore for the state.
Sukhu emphasised the need for a robust strategy to reduce power losses and curb electricity theft across the state. He instructed the HPSEBL to implement feeder metering and to carry out feeder-wise mapping of all consumer categories—including commercial, industrial and domestic—so that data can be accessed efficiently.
The chief minister has also directed that all HPSEBL employees currently serving on deputation in the directorate of energy, Himachal Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation and Power Corporation be given an option to return by April 30. The civil wing staff can also choose postings in the PWD or other departments.
Sukhu assured that the existing service terms, promotions and benefits would remain unaffected, with policy amendments being made where necessary.
To strengthen HPSEBL, the government plans to recruit 2,000 T-mates and linemen in the coming months.
Furthermore, Sukhu ordered the transfer of personnel posted in industrial areas for extended periods to promote transparency and accountability.
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Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Sukhu writes to Union minister Naidu, seeks central aid for expansion of Kangra airport
With the process of expansion of Kangra airport underway, Himachal chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has written to Union civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu requesting to recommend the expansion project for 'Special Central Assistance'. With the process of expansion of Kangra airport underway, Himachal chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has written to Union civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu requesting to recommend the expansion project for 'Special Central Assistance'. (fILE PHOTO) The letter follows CM Sukhu's recent meeting with the Union minister on July 14 in New Delhi. For the proposed expansion of the Kangra airport at Gaggal in Himachal's Kangra district, the cost of the land acquisition is pegged at approximately ₹3,500 crore. The state government has acquired around 150 hectares for the expansion project. As the land acquisition process has already started, awards for more than ₹1,900 crore are ready and ₹410 crore have been disbursed so far. 'The statutory stipulated period of one year is going to end in August, 2025. The Ministry of Civil Aviation may kindly recommend this project to the Ministry of Finance and the PMO for the Special Central Assistance as agreed during the meeting,' states CM Sukhu's letter to the aviation minister. The expansion project, which is underway, aims to increase the runway length of Kangra airport from the current 1,376 metres to 3,010 metres. This extension is crucial for accommodating larger aircraft, such as the Airbus A320, which would enhance connectivity between the Kangra valley and other parts of the country. Currently, only eight flights (16 movements) operate at Kangra Airport each day, connecting to Shimla, Delhi, and Chandigarh. With the proposed expansion, the airport could accommodate more flights, connect to additional destinations, and even open up the possibility of initiating international services. Sukhu also wrote that the Techno-Economic Feasibility Report of Kangra Airport prepared by M/s WAPCOS Ltd. should also be reviewed for arriving at a realistic assessment of cost by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) as it was on a higher side. 'Kangra Airport currently operates under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), requiring a minimum visibility of 5 km for flight operations, it was agreed that AAI will make provision for introduction of Special VFR operations so as to reduce the minimum visibility criteria from existing 5 km to 2.5 km to ensure operation of flights during reduced visibility conditions,' the letter states. During the meeting on July 14, Sukhu has also urged the Union minister to operate Delhi-Shimla-Dharamshala and Dharamshala-Shimla-Delhi flights on a daily basis, highlighting that at present, these flights were operational only three days a week, causing inconvenience to the tourists. He also requested the commencement of night landing facilities at Kangra airport. Sukhu has also asked for deployment of Himachal Pradesh State Police instead of CISF for airport security at Kullu and Shimla airports on the analogy of Kangra airport. He also urged for extending watch hours for the flight's operations at Shimla airport from 1 pm to 4 pm providing a larger window for the operation of flights.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu urges Centre to expedite civil aviation projects
Shimla: Chief minister on Wednesday urged Union minister of civil aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu to expedite pending issues related to the civil aviation sector in Himachal Pradesh. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The request was made through a formal letter following discussions held during Sukhu's recent visit to New Delhi. In the letter, the CM highlighted the proposed expansion of Kangra Airport, for which the state government is in the process of acquiring approximately 150 hectares of land. Awards amounting to over Rs 1,900 crore have been prepared, and Rs 410 crore has already been disbursed. With the statutory one-year period for land acquisition ending next month, Sukhu requested the ministry to recommend the project to the ministry of finance and the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) for special central assistance. Sukhu also raised concerns about the techno-economic feasibility report of Kangra Airport, prepared by a private firm, stating that the estimated costs were on the higher side. He urged the Airport Authority of India (AAI) to review the report to arrive at a more realistic cost assessment. He also proposed exploring a tripartite agreement involving AAI, the state government, and a private partner to facilitate the airport's expansion. The CM pointed out that Kangra Airport currently operates under visual flight rules (VFR), which require a minimum visibility of five kilometres. He recommended introducing special VFR operations to reduce the visibility requirement to 2.5 km, enabling flight operations during low-visibility conditions. Given that Kangra is the largest and busiest airport in the state, Sukhu also called for the installation of night landing facilities. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Sukhu also requested the deployment of state police for airport security at Kullu and Shimla airports, similar to the arrangement at Kangra Airport, replacing the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). He also sought an extension of watch hours at Shimla Airport from 1 pm to 4 pm to allow a broader window for flight operations. To enhance infrastructure at Shimla Airport, the CM urged the provision of a second apron suitable for ATR 42/600 aircraft, which would support increased and simultaneous flight operations. He also called for the resumption of daily flights on the Shimla-Dharamshala-Shimla sector by Alliance Air. Sukhu requested operational authorisation for heliports at Sanjauli, Rampur, Baddi, and Kangnidhar by Oct this year. He added that under the Udan (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) regional connectivity scheme's second phase, four additional heliports should be sanctioned at Jaskot in Hamirpur, Dehra in Kangra, and one each in Una and Bilaspur districts to boost air connectivity. He noted that air operators such as Heritage Aviation, Global Vectra, and Pawan Hans Ltd would be directed to operationalise their routes under the Udan scheme.
The Hindu
10 hours ago
- The Hindu
Himachal CM asks Centre to expedite matters pertaining to State's civil aviation sector
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday (July 23, 2025) asked the Central government to expedite the execution of matters surrounding the State's civil aviation sector. In a letter to Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, the Chief Minister has urged the Ministry to recommend the proposed expansion of the airport in the State's Kangra to the Ministry of Finance and the Prime Minister's Office for 'Special Central Assistance'. He also added that the techno-economic feasibility report of Kangra Airport should also be reviewed for arriving at a realistic assessment of cost by the Airport Authority of India (AAI) as it was on the higher side. Besides, Kangra Airport, which is the biggest and busiest airport in Himachal Pradesh, should be equipped with night landing facilities, he added. Mr. Sukhu also requested the Ministry to provide a second apron at Shimla airport suitable for operations of ATR 42/600 type of aircraft, which, he asserted, would go a long way in increasing the flight operations and support multiple flight operations from Shimla Airport. He also asked for resuming daily flight operations on the Shimla-Dharamshala-Shimla sector by Alliance Air Ltd.
