S Gopal Puri
Palampur: This hill town witnessed a landmark development on Tuesday as the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the region’s first heliport, a ₹19.77-crore project that promises to reshape mobility and tourism in the Kangra Valley.
Behind this long-awaited breakthrough lies the persistent push of the Chief Minister’s Principal Advisor (IT & Innovation), Gokul Butail, whose sustained advocacy is widely acknowledged as a decisive factor in bringing the project to fruition.
For years, Butail has argued that Palampur—despite being one of Himachal Pradesh’s premier tourist and education hubs—has suffered due to inadequate air connectivity.
He repeatedly emphasized how faster aerial access could transform not only tourism but also disaster response and emergency medical transport in the region.
In 2023, Butail intensified his efforts by working closely with the then Vice-Chancellor of the Agriculture University, Prof. Harendra Chaudhary, to identify feasible land for the heliport.
The duo pinpointed a suitable location within the university campus, a step that gave fresh momentum to the long-pending proposal. Butel also held a series of consultations with the Chief Minister, the local MLA, and senior government officials, helping navigate administrative hurdles and secure final approval.
Those efforts have now translated into action on the ground. Construction work is progressing rapidly, and officials indicate that helicopter services to Shimla and Chandigarh may begin in the coming months.
These flights are likely to operate under the UDAN/Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), with subsidy support similar to the air connectivity model followed in the North-East.
Residents and stakeholders across Palampur have welcomed the development, crediting Butail’s consistent follow-up for turning a policy idea into a tangible project.
The heliport, they believe, could mark the beginning of a new era for the region—one where accessibility finally aligns with Palampur’s tourism potential, academic institutions, and expanding economic footprint.
