SHIMLA, Feb 9 – Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Monday outlined a strategic overhaul of the state’s tourism sector involving a total investment of Rs 2,350 crore, aimed at elevating the region into a global travel destination.
The ambitious project, backed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), will be implemented in two phases. The first tranche involves an outlay of Rs 1,620 crore, while the second phase is earmarked at Rs 730 crore.
During a high-level review meeting, Sukhu issued strict directives to state officials to maintain “world-class” construction standards and ensure all development works are completed within stipulated timelines. The initiative is designed to bolster the state’s economy and generate significant employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth.
A central pillar of the master plan includes transforming Kangra district into the “Tourism Capital” of the state. Ongoing projects in Palampur and Nagrota Bagwan are already seeing an investment of Rs 77.70 crore.
Key infrastructure and site developments include:
- Religious Tourism: An allocation of Rs 51.09 crore for the Shree Baba Balak Nath Temple complex in Hamirpur.
- Adventure and Sports: Construction of ice-skating and roller-skating rinks in Dharamshala at a cost of Rs 33.78 crore.
- Wellness and Heritage: Wellness centers totaling over Rs 56 crore in Kullu and Manali, alongside the specialized conservation of the historic Naggar Castle.
- Connectivity: Prioritizing the construction of heliports and the expansion of the Kangra airport to improve visitor access.
Future phases under the ADB partnership are set to introduce a rafting complex in Nadaun and various adventure sports centers equipped with hostels.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation Chairman R. S. Bali, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, and Tourism Director Vivek Bhatia, who are coordinating to meet the state’s 2026 targets.
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