Himachal seeks early clearance of international airport at Balh valley

The Himachal government has asked for a speedy clearance from the Centre for the proposed Rs 700-crore international airport in Balh valley, near Sundernagar, in order to improve the air connectivity, by accommodating the landing of larger aircraft.
In a letter to the civil aviation minister, chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal has urged for the early clearance of the Sundernagar green field airport project. Dhumal, in that letter, has pointed out that despite the fact that techno-economic feasibility studies, carried out several times at the identified site by Airport Authority of India experts, the reports submitted were still awaiting the clearance of the Centre.
The chief minister also added that the proposed green field airport is estimated to cost about Rs 700 crore and would help in promoting businesses as well boost quality tourism.
The state’s economy is mainly dependent on apple crop and for transport, the state is dependent upon roads, as rail and air connectivity is grossly deficient, Dhumal said.
The three functional airports at Jubbar Hatti near Shimla, Bhuntar in Kullu-Manali, and Gaggal in Kangra valley were not able to meet the needs of the state as only smaller planes and take off and land in them. The Balh valley is located in the middle of the state and good road connectivity would help visitors to access Kullu, Manali, Kangra valley and Shimla hills as well.
While seeking a clearance for the international airport the government has overruled opposition by hundreds of families who fear that they would be dislocated and thousands of pine trees, axed.
11/09/08 Charanjit Ahuja/Financial Express

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: Airports Sep 2008, New Sep 2008