SHIMLA-15 Feb 2026

State to construct Asia’s Longest Zipline Project at Naddi to Boost Tourism

To give a major fillip to tourism in the Kangra region, the State Government led by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has decided to develop Asia’s longest zipline project at Naddi in the picturesque Dhauladhar valley of Kangra district. The proposed 4.3 kilometre long Naddi Zipline Project, with an estimated cost of Rs. 7.41 crore, is envisioned as a landmark adventure tourism initiative. The project will feature four stations, Gallu (starting point), Ball village, Naddi and Maggie Point Khad (terminating point), offering visitors a thrilling experience while showcasing the breathtaking natural beauty of the Dhauladhar ranges. The project is proposed to be completed within a period of 36 months.

The zipline is proposed to be developed at the Naddi View Point in Dharamshala, a location renowned for its panoramic vistas. Once completed, it is expected to significantly enhance tourism infrastructure in the region, attract adventure enthusiasts, generate employment opportunities and contribute to the overall economic growth of the area.

The Chief Minister stated “The State Government has accorded the status of “Tourism Capital” to Kangra district and several initiatives are being implemented to strengthen tourism infrastructure and promote sustainable tourism development in the district. ”

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State approves Rs. 1617 Crore for Modernization of Medical Colleges and Super Speciality Institutions

With the objective of providing affordable, high-quality healthcare services across the State, the Government has approved Rs 1,617 crore in the first phase of Rs. 3,000 crore comprehensive healthcare modernization initiative. This investment will upgrade infrastructure in Government Medical Colleges, Super Speciality Centres and Adarsh Swasthya Sansthans. The project is scheduled for implementation from 1^st April 2026 to 30^th April 2031.

Timely medical intervention is critical to patient outcomes. Delays in diagnosis and treatment not only worsen health conditions but also significantly escalate costs. Studies suggest that late diagnosis can increase a patient’s medical expenses by 30–50 percent, underscoring the importance of strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring prompt access to quality care.

A Government Spokesperson stated here today that under this ambitious initiative, institutions will be equipped with high-end diagnostic facilities, simulation-based medical training systems, AI-enabled handheld X-ray devices and integrated digital health platforms. The project aims to ensure timely access to specialized care, reduce referral-related costs, improve patient outcomes and strengthen emergency response systems in remote and far-flung areas. It will also promote gender-equitable and climate-resilient healthcare, positioning Himachal Pradesh as a pioneering State in accessible and technology-driven public health modernization.

The Spokesperson stated that the first component of the project focuses on strengthening physical infrastructure. This includes new construction, renovation and upgradation of academic blocks, outpatient and inpatient facilities in Government Medical Colleges. High-fidelity simulation centres, AR/VR-based training facilities, digital libraries and skill labs integrated with e-learning platforms will also be established. Advanced imaging and diagnostic equipment such as MRI, CT scanners, digital radiology systems and molecular diagnostic laboratories will be installed. Digital platforms including PACS, LIMS, Telemedicine and Learning Management Systems (LMS) will be integrated to enable interoperable data exchange in accordance with ABDM standards.

Under the second component, tertiary care centres at IGMC Shimla, AIMSS Chamiana and Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur will be further strengthened. Services such as renal and bone marrow transplant, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery, advanced endoscopic procedures, pediatric care and robotic-assisted surgeries will be expanded. Institutions will be equipped with cutting-edge technologies including O-arm 3D imaging, neuro-navigation systems, robotic surgery platforms and integrated critical care monitoring systems. An Advanced Pediatric Care and Innovation Centre will also be established to integrate critical, surgical and tele-enabled pediatric healthcare delivery.

The third component of the project envisages strengthening Adarsh Swasthya Sansthans by equipping them with modern diagnostic and surgical facilities, including CT scanners, mobile X-ray units, ultrasound machines, laparoscopic systems, and ophthalmic surgical units. Telemedicine services and digital referral networks will be expanded to seamlessly connect district hospitals with tertiary and Super Speciality centres.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the State Government is fully committed to providing specialized and quality healthcare services to the people. He emphasized that several initiatives have already been undertaken to modernize health institutions across the State. The Government has introduced robotic surgery facilities at AIMSS Chamiana and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda and similar facilities will soon be extended to other medical colleges for the benefit of patients. He further added that the State Government plans to invest Rs. 3000 crore in the coming period to equip health institutions with state-of-the-art medical equipment.

According to health department data, 9.5 lakh patients travel outside Himachal Pradesh annually for treatment, resulting in an economic loss of Rs. 1350 crore to the state’s GDP. If quality healthcare services are made available within the state, it is estimated that Rs. 550 crore of the state GDP could be saved annually, along with valuable time for patients.

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First-Ever Online e-Auction for Retail Liquor Vends and Entry Toll Barriers in State

To enhance transparency, accountability and ease of doing business, the Department of State Taxes & Excise, will allot retail excise liquor vends and entry toll barriers for the financial year 2026–27 through a fully transparent online e-Auction process for the first time in the State’s history.

The e-Auction will be conducted unit-wise, with separate online bids for each unit comprising retail excise liquor vends. Applicants will be able to participate in the bidding process remotely from their homes or offices.

The Commissioner, State Taxes & Excise, Dr. Yunus, stated that all applicants must mandatorily register on the designated e-Auction portal using a valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). Only bids submitted online through the official portal will be accepted. The link to the e-Auction portal will be made available on the Department’s official website www.hptax.gov.in.

Prospective bidders are advised to carefully read and understand the Excise Policy 2026–27, Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs), and user manuals before participating in the bidding process. These documents will be accessible on the departmental website as well as on the e-Auction portal, he said.

Interested bidders are further advised to regularly visit the official website for updates, notifications and detailed instructions related to the e-Auction process. He said that to facilitate smooth participation, the Department has established the helpline numbers, Headquarters 0177-2620426 and WhatsApp 94183-31426, South Zone 0177-2620426, North Zone 01894-230186 and Central Zone 01905-223499

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Congress challenges Anurag Thakur to show letter about discontinuing RDG 20 years ago

· Stop misleading the people of the state on RDG: Congress

· Accuses previous BJP government of economic mismanagement

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh and AYUSH Minister Yadavinder Goma have sharply attacked BJP MP Anurag Thakur, demanding to stop misleading the people of the state on the issue of discontinuing Revenue Deficit Grant (RDG). The ministers said that Anurag Thakur's claim that the central government had decided to discontinue RDG 20 years ago is completely baseless. They challenged Anurag Thakur to make public even a single letter from the central government in this regard. They alleged that the BJP MP is distorting facts solely for political gain. They also asked him to clarify whether he supports the continuation of RDG in Himachal Pradesh.

They stated that RDG is a constitutional right of Himachal Pradesh, not a charity. They clarified that this provision is provided according to Article 275(1) of the Constitution. Congress leaders also alleged that economic mismanagement occurred during the previous BJP government, for which the state had to suffer. The ministers stated that the previous BJP government was responsible for pushing Himachal Pradesh into a debt trap. They said that Anurag Thakur and other BJP leaders should present their clear stance on the RDG issue to the people of the state instead of making random statements.

The ministers said that the Chief Minister has repeatedly talked about meeting the Prime Minister in Delhi with BJP leaders, but the BJP leaders are only interested in political gain. They said that the State government is serious about the state's debt issue and is taking concrete steps in this direction. They said that the State government does not need Anurag Thakur's advice. Both alleged that Anurag Thakur and the BJP State leaders are only busy grabbing media headlines and playing politics on this issue. The all-party meeting has exposed the BJP's anti-Himachal face. The people of the state witnessed BJP leaders' irresponsible approach, walking out of the meeting, making it clear that they have no concern for Himachal's interests.

The ministers alleged that the state's economic situation has deteriorated due to the financial mismanagement and wasteful expenditure of the previous BJP government. They said that during the BJP regime, the State received approximately Rs. 54,000 crore in RDG and Rs. 16,000 crore in GST, totalling Rs. 70,000 crore in financial assistance from the central government. However, instead of development, these resources were used to benefit contractors and favorites.

They said that the previous government constructed buildings worth more than Rs. 1,000 crore that now lie vacant. They also alleged that the former BJP government allotted land worth Rs. 5,000 crore in Nalagarh of Solan district, to its industrialist friends for a pittance. Under the guise of a "customized package," cheap land was offered along with a 100 percent stamp duty exemption, but the government didn't receive a single penny from the registry. Furthermore, a 100 percent electricity fee exemption was also provided for five years, along with electricity at the rate of Rs. 3 per unit, free water and a free warehouse. Isn't this economic mismanagement?

The ministers said that BJP leaders making baseless allegations against the current government should first ask former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur why the State's resources were squandered in this manner. They said that the current Congress government received only Rs. 17,000 crore in RDG in the last three years. Despite this, the State government maintained strict financial discipline and raised Rs. 26,683 crore from its own resources. They pointed out that despite limited resources, the government borrowed only Rs. 23,000 crore, while repaying Rs. 26,000 crore in interest and principal.

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