The expansion of Kangra Airport in Himachal Pradesh has reached a major milestone, with more than Rs 2,400 crore disbursed in compensation as land acquisition nears completion across 14 revenue villages. The project aims to transform the airport into a major regional aviation hub by accommodating larger aircraft and improving connectivity to the Kangra Valley.
According to officials, approximately Rs 215 crore has been distributed to affected families under the relief and rehabilitation (R&R) component, while another Rs 360 crore has been earmarked for future disbursement. The total financial requirement for land acquisition and rehabilitation is estimated at around Rs 3,200 crore.
The administration has initiated the process of taking possession of the acquired land. Vinay Dhiman, Kangra district tourism development officer, said the land had been officially mutated in favour of the Tourism Department in eight of the 14 identified villages. Meanwhile, residents in several areas have begun dismantling structures to facilitate the expansion.
With compensation largely disbursed, authorities have restricted new plantations and fresh crop sowing on the acquired land. Farmers who have already received compensation may harvest existing standing crops but cannot undertake further agricultural activities. The administration is also preparing to fence the acquired area ahead of construction.
The project is expected to displace nearly 1,200 households across 14 villages and requires the relocation of almost the entire Gaggal township, located around two kilometres from the existing airport.
A key component of the expansion is the extension of the existing 1,376-metre runway to 3,010 metres. The longer runway is intended to enable operations by larger aircraft, including the Airbus A320, which cannot currently operate at the airport because of runway limitations.
Kangra Airport presently handles aircraft with a capacity of up to 72 passengers and operates approximately five to six flights daily. The proposed expansion is expected to significantly enhance passenger-handling capabilities, strengthen air connectivity between the Kangra Valley and other parts of the country, and create scope for future international flight operations.
Once completed, the project is expected to strengthen regional tourism and improve access to Himachal Pradesh’s popular destinations, although the timeline for construction and the commencement of larger aircraft operations will depend on the project’s subsequent implementation stages.
