Himachal Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Sunday visited the under construction heliport coming up at Sanjauli suburb of Shimla town and reviewed the progress of the work.
He directed the officers to ensure time bound completion of this heliport which would go a long way in facilitating the tourists visiting Shimla, pointing out that on completion of this Rs 14 crore heliport
it would facilitate the landing of helicopters at this heliport instead of Jubbarhatti under the Udan-II.
He said that this heliport would have all modern facilities such as a VIP lounge and utility area.
Thakur said that three more heliports were also coming up at Mandi, Rampur and Baddi. Such heliport would be developed at all district headquarters, he added.
Later, the Chief Minister visited the Bantony Castle, near Kalibari and reviewed the conservation, restoration and rehabilitation of the Castle being executed by spending an amount of Rs 25.45 crore.
He said that this ADB funded Project would have three Blocks ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’, adding that Block ‘A’ would have a Primary Museum based on Himachali theme, Block ‘B’ would have a food court serving, Himachali cuisine and gallery of Himachali art and craft, whereas Block ‘C’ would have common amenities and Open Air Theatre on top.
He said the light and sound show in this Castle would prove an added attraction for the tourists.
The Chief Minister directed the officers to ensure quality construction and renovation of this project, besides ensuring that the original architecture was maintained.
Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister JC Sharma, Secretary Tourism Devesh Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Shimla Amit Kashyap and other officers were also present on the occasion.