Himachal Pradesh government is actively focusing on enhancing infrastructure to promote tourism within the state. For this, the authorities are making all efforts to strategically connect lesser-explored tourist destinations with roadways to facilitate increased tourist influx.

Recently, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu initiated two crucial road projects, the Hiru Dasalan-Tamru Chaola road near Dharamshala and Mcleodganj-Bhagsunag-Tau Chaola road, with budgets of INR 612 lakh and INR 713 lakh respectively. These projects are expected to establish vital links between unexplored tourist spots and the main road network, making these destinations more accessible to tourists.

CM Sukhu, while stressing about the immense natural beauty of Himachal Pradesh and as a global tourist attraction, also highlighted the government’s commitment to transforming the Kangra district into a tourism hub.

Several ambitious projects are in progress, such as a Zoological Park in Bankhandi, an international convention center in Dharamshala, an Old Age Wellness Resort, ice skating and roller skating rinks in Narghota, a proposed tourism village, a golf course in Paragpur, a wedding resort in Mainjha of Palampur, the Dhauladhar Biodiversity Park in Dharamshala, and the construction of a heliport among others.

If reports are to go by, the government is striving to make Himachal Pradesh self-reliant within the next four years and to elevate it to one of the country’s prosperous states within the next decade.

Additionally, the state government recently unveiled plans to promote 11 designated eco-tourism sites within forested areas of Himachal Pradesh, including Swar, Neugal Park, Saurabh Van Vihar, and Bir-Billing in the Palampur forest division of Kangra district.

Credit: iStockEach eco-tourism park, spanning approximately one hectare, will be developed and managed through outsourcing. Sukhu emphasized that eco-tourism will not only boost tourism activities, but also generate employment opportunities for local residents, which will in turn boost the regional economy.