Project stands out as a model of efficiency amid delays in airport and university works
Sunil Chadha
Dharamshala:
At a time when major infrastructure projects like the Himachal Pradesh Central University in Kangra and the Gaggal airport expansion continue to face hurdles, the timely completion of the state’s largest Software Technology Park in Chaitru near Dharamshala has emerged as a remarkable achievement. Much of the credit goes to Gokul Butail, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s principal adviser (IT), whose close monitoring and leadership ensured the project stayed on schedule.
The park, built at a cost of Rs 18.29 crore over an area of 35,602 square feet, will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Sukhu in November. Speaking after inspecting the site, Butail said the park will serve as Himachal Pradesh’s biggest IT incubation centre, offering world-class facilities at highly affordable rates to young entrepreneurs and startups.
Affordable space, high-tech facilities
Under the plan, IT startups will be able to lease raw incubation space at just Rs 22 per sq ft, far lower than the rates in similar parks across other states. A single incubation seat will cost only Rs 2,820 initially, inclusive of electricity, power backup and 12-hour high-speed internet access.
The state’s IT Department has already opened applications for space allocation through its official website. The park features 106 plug-and-play incubation seats, four managerial cabins, a 40-seat auditorium, conference and meeting halls, a network operation centre, reception area and guest rooms, all designed to provide a ready-to-use environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Vision realised under Gokul Butail’s watch
Gokul Butail emphasised that the project, which was initiated during former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh’s tenure, had stalled under the previous administration.
“When our government took office in 2022, Chief Minister Sukhu made it a priority to complete this project. We wanted to create opportunities for Himachali youth who often have to migrate to Delhi, Gurugram or Bengaluru for IT jobs,” Butail said.
The park’s proximity to Gaggal airport adds to its strategic value. Construction of the connecting Manjhi bridge is also underway to improve road access before the park’s inauguration. The project is expected to generate direct and indirect employment for 350 to 400 youth and support 15 to 20 new startups in its initial phase.
Other major projects in limbo
Observers note that the efficient completion of the Kangra IT Park contrasts sharply with delays plaguing other key projects in the district. The Central University building at Jadrangal remains stalled due to a lack of state funds, with opposition leaders accusing the government of failing to release Rs 30 crore of its committed share.
Similarly, the Gaggal airport expansion project has been marred by confusion over land acquisition and compensation, leaving several residents uncertain about their future.
Amid these challenges, Butail’s success in steering the IT Park to timely completion has drawn appreciation across political and public circles, local entrepreneurs say, adding the facility will transform Kangra into North India’s emerging IT hub, offering opportunities closer to home.
“Timely execution of the Kangra IT Park proves that with the right leadership and planning, development projects can meet deadlines and deliver real benefits,” said an official from the state IT Department, adding that the initiative reflects the state government’s renewed focus on digital growth and youth employment.
