Kangra Airport Expansion Gets Rs 500 Crore for Land Acquisition

The state government of Himachal Pradesh has released a new installment of Rs 500 crore to advance the expansion of Gaggal airport in the Kangra district. This funding injection brings the total received by the local administration to Rs 1,960 crore, aimed at accelerating the land acquisition process necessary for a major runway extension.

The project is a critical component of a broader strategy to enhance regional air connectivity and boost tourism in the area. By upgrading the airport's infrastructure, authorities aim to accommodate larger aircraft, which will enable direct flights from major metropolitan hubs and potentially lower airfares. The expansion is expected to have a significant economic impact on the region's hospitality sector and related industries.

Funding and Land Acquisition Details

According to Kangra Deputy Commissioner, Hemraj Bairwa, the additional funds will expedite compensation payments to families affected by the project. Of the total funds received, more than Rs 1,500 crore has already been disbursed directly into the bank accounts of landowners. The total compensation requirement for the project is estimated to be around Rs 2,500 crore.

The land acquisition for the Kangra airport expansion covers 150 hectares and affects a total of 942 families. Bairwa noted that while the process is moving forward, a few cases remain pending due to intra-family ownership disputes and ongoing court proceedings. He clarified that another installment of funds would likely be required only after these legal issues are resolved. However, the administration plans to proceed with the acquisition of this 'disputed land' even if compensation remains pending due to legal formalities, ensuring the project timeline is not delayed.

The district administration has set a deadline of March 31 for the transfer of the acquired land to the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the statutory body responsible for managing civil aviation infrastructure in the country. Bairwa confirmed that all necessary legal steps have been taken, stating, “We have completed all legal formalities. Notices under Section 19 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, have been issued.”

Operational and Economic Impact

The current infrastructure at Kangra airport significantly limits its operational capacity. The existing runway measures 1,376 metres, restricting operations to smaller turboprop aircraft such as the Avions de Transport Régional 72 (ATR-72), which has a seating capacity of 70 to 80 passengers. This limitation often results in higher airfares and service disruptions, particularly during adverse weather conditions.

The expansion project will extend the runway to 3,010 metres. This substantial increase will enable the airport to handle larger, narrow-body jet airliners like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, which can carry over 180 passengers. The upgrade is designed to enhance operational efficiency and dramatically increase passenger capacity.

Furthermore, the project includes the installation of modern navigation and landing systems. The introduction of a night landing facility will permit round-the-clock operations, improving schedule reliability and ensuring safer landings during challenging weather like heavy rain and fog. This technological upgrade is a key part of modernizing regional airports to meet national standards.

Broader Context and Future Outlook

The development at Kangra is aligned with a national trend of upgrading regional airports to stimulate economic growth and tourism. By facilitating direct air connectivity between Kangra and major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai, the project is projected to substantially increase tourist inflow. This aligns with government initiatives to improve infrastructure in strategically important and high-potential tourist regions.

With the March 31 land transfer deadline approaching, the focus will shift to the AAI for the subsequent phases of construction. The timeline for the completion of the runway extension and the installation of new systems has not been publicly disclosed but will follow the successful transfer of land. The successful completion of this project will serve as a model for similar regional airport developments across India.

Why This Matters

This airport expansion represents a significant infrastructure investment aimed at unlocking the economic potential of the Kangra region. For the aviation industry, it opens a new market for higher-capacity aircraft and creates opportunities for airlines to launch new routes. For travelers, it promises improved accessibility, more reliable service, and potentially more competitive pricing, transforming Kangra from a regional outpost to a key aviation gateway in Himachal Pradesh.

For in-depth airline coverage and commercial aviation news, flying.flights delivers timely industry insights. Stay informed on aviation incidents, investigations, and best practices in the Safety category at flying.flights/safety.