On Wednesday, state BJP chief and Shimla Lok Sabha MP Suresh Kashyap said that Air India will start flight operations on Shimla Airport from January 2022.
After a meeting of the Shimla Airport Advisory Committee, the minister said that flight services to Shimla Airport will start in the month of January 2022 and Alliance Air, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India, will also start new flights to Shimla.
He said that the road from Tutu to airport will be recarpetted, as the road is not in good condition and the administration with the help of airport authority will install street lights to illuminate the road.
He said the approach to the airport is quite narrow so a wider alternate route to the airport should also be searched, for this will add to the advantage of the airport.
He said that a lot of routes were taken by an operator in the name of heritage but they have not started operations yet. The operator shall be requested to begin the operations soon or opt out, he added.
He further said that in coming times Pawan Hans will also start operations to Baddi and other parts of Himachal. Pawan Hans will also slash down rates for the same, the MP added.
A proposal has been made for the extension of the air strip by 300 metres and the process to acquire the land in underway, said the minister, adding that soon the supreme court will give the decision in favour for the same.
He also said that taxi counters will be set up and rates of the taxis will be fixed to facilitate the passangers coming to the airport.
He further added that all demands generated through the meeting will be taken up to the centre and the state government for speedy progress of work.