HP to have international airports, says CM

Shimla, Sep 29 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today said his government was exploring the possibilities of constructing two international airports to attract high-end tourists to the state.

''While one will be constructed in Bahl valley of Mandi district, another will come up in Una district of the state,'' he said at a press conference after launching the e-ticketing service of Jagson Airlines here.

Mr Singh said the number of tourists visiting the state would swell beyond 65 lakh annually once these international airports were constructed.

Besides, the government was also planning to utilise more than 60 helipads in the state for giving a boost to tourism. ''We will also be starting chopper flights for various destinations in the state soon.'' He said the state government was also planning to upgrade Bhuntar airport in Kullu district to make a forty-seater airplane land here, while the one at Gaggal in Kangra district had already been upgraded.

The chief minister said strengthened air connectivity network in the state would provide easy access and matching facilities to the high-end tourists visiting the state from other parts of the country and abroad.

The proposed international airport in Una district within the limits of the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) would be one of the best in the country, he said.

Mr Singh said the state government's ''Himachal for All Seasons and All Reasons'' slogan had been a success and had helped in taking the total number of tourists visiting the state beyond 65 lakh every year.

UNI AS PS RL KN1812