Kangra Airport Expansion: ₹2,148 Crore Disbursed for Land Acquisition
The process of land acquisition for the expansion of the Kangra airport is currently underway, with ₹2,148 crore already disbursed till June 4, as per officials with knowledge of the matter.
Total Cost of Land Acquisition Pegged at ₹3,500 Crore
The state government is expanding the airport and acquiring approximately 150 hectares of land for the project, with the total cost of land acquisition estimated to be around ₹3,500 crore.
Unique Approach to Supporting Affected Families
Shahpur MLA and deputy chief whip Kewal Singh Pathania has highlighted the unique aspect of this land acquisition project, where people running businesses on government land are receiving financial assistance from the government.
- This is reportedly the first case in the country where affected families are receiving support in connection with a land acquisition project.
- The state government's decision aims to support poor and middle-class families and help them rebuild their livelihoods.
Expected Displacement and Expansion Plans
The proposed expansion of the Kangra airport is expected to displace hundreds of families, with estimates suggesting that at least 1,500 households across 14 villages would be affected.
- The expansion would also entail the displacement of almost the entire Gaggal township, located about 2 km from the airport.
- This is as per the Himachal government’s social impact assessment (SIA) report released in May 2023.
Runway Extension Plans
The expansion project aims to increase the runway length of the 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.
- The enhanced runway length will improve connectivity between the Kangra valley and other parts of the country.
The Kangra airport expansion project is a significant initiative that will boost connectivity and economic growth in the region, while also ensuring the livelihoods of affected families are supported.