SHIMLA-9 Feb, 2026

Chief Minister outlines Rs.2350 crore strategic overhaul of Himachal Tourism

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today chaired a high-level review of various tourism development initiatives currently underway across Himachal Pradesh.

Supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), these projects represent a total investment of Rs. 2350 crore, with Rs. 1620 crore allocated under Tranche-1 and Rs. 730 crore earmarked for Tranche-2.

During the session, the Chief Minister underscored the necessity of maintaining world-class construction standards and issued strict directives to officials to ensure that development works are completed within their respective timelines.
The primary objective of the State Government is to establish "Himachal Tourism" as a premier global brand. This vision is being realized through a comprehensive suite of schemes designed to fortify the state’s economy while generating significant employment and self-employment opportunities for the local youth. To improve the overall visitor experience, the government is prioritizing connectivity and infrastructure, which includes the ongoing construction of several heliports and expansion of the Kangra airport.

Central to this master plan is the transformation of Kangra district into the state’s "Tourism Capital." Significant investments are being directed toward Palampur and Nagrota Bagwan, where projects worth Rs. 77.70 crore were already in progress. In Palampur, focus areas include multi-level parking facilities, the renovation of Neugal Café, and the creation of modern amenities such as a library-integrated café. Meanwhile, Nagrota Bagwan is seeing extensive beautification of its bus stands, temples and public grounds, alongside essential infrastructure upgrades like drainage and road improvements.

Development extends across the state with diverse projects catering to both spiritual and adventure tourism. In Hamirpur, Rs.51.09 crore is being spent on the Shree Baba Balak Nath Temple complex, while Dharamshala is set to receive new ice-skating and roller-skating rinks costing Rs.33.78 crore. The government is also investing in wellness, with centers totaling over Rs. 56 crore being established in Kullu and Manali. Additionally, the historic Naggar Castle is undergoing specialized conservation and renovation to preserve its cultural heritage.

Future phases under the ADB partnership will introduce further recreational facilities, including a rafting complex in Nadaun and adventure sports centers equipped with hostels.

The meeting concluded with detailed insights from R. S. Bali, Chairman of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation, alongside contributions from senior officials including Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar and Director Tourism Vivek Bhatia, all of whom are coordinating to ensure these ambitious targets are met.

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Rajesh Dharmani chairs HIMUDA Board Meeting

Highlights major township projects

Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani, while presiding over the Board of Directors meeting of the Himachal Pradesh Housing and Urban Development Authority (HIMUDA) today, reaffirmed the state governments commitment to provide affordable housing and promoting planned township development across the State. He emphasized that the state government was launching ambitious urban projects to cater to the rising demand for quality housing and to enhance public convenience through structured urban growth.

During the session, the Board granted approval to initiate preliminary activities for several key projects with an initial allocation of Rs. 5 crore. These include the proposed Him Chandigarh Township at Sheetalpur in Baddi in Solan district, a new township at Morni Hills in Pachhad and another planned development township at Lunj near the Kangra Airport. These projects were expected to modernize the state's urban areas and provide strategic residential hubs in high-growth corridors.

Highlighting the progress near the State capital, the Minister said that in the first phase of the Jathia Devi project near Shimla, HIMUDA would develop 919 residential units on 21 bighas of land with an estimated investment of Rs. 1,327 crore. This flagship project aims to decongest the main city of Shimla while simultaneously stimulating economic activities in the surrounding peripheral areas. Furthermore, the Board took a significant policy decision to reserve a special quota of residential plots and flats for Olympic and Asian Games medalists, Gallantry Award winners and recipients of Children’s Bravery Awards.

The meeting also approved various commercial and infrastructure developments across other districts. A commercial complex comprising 17 shops, two halls and an Executive Engineer’s office will be constructed in Ghumarwin, Bilaspur, at a cost of Rs.7.69 crore.

Additionally, in the Shree Jwala Ji Shakti Vihar Colony of Kangra district, the Board sanctioned the development of 130 plots and commercial spaces across 125 kanals of land, estimated at Rs.18.61 crore.

The Board approved a 5 percent discount for those who make a lump-sum payment within 45 days of receiving their allotment letter. Policy reforms were also a major highlight, as the Board gave the nod to develop new colonies through the Land Pooling Policy with the consent of landowners. Furthermore, a Buy-Back Policy and a Redevelopment Policy was approved to streamline the maintenance and development of government housing and assets.

The meeting was attended by HIMUDA Vice Chairman Yashwant Chhajta, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, CEO and Secretary Dr. Surinder Kumar Vashisht, along with non-official members of the Board and senior officials from various departments.