MoU signed to strengthen air connectivity and infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh

A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Himachal Pradesh government, the Union ministry of civil aviation, and the Airports Authority of India. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation on existing and new UDAN routes and aviation infrastructure development in the state. The MoU is valid for 10 years. The Himachal Pradesh government sought a revised 90:10 funding pattern for viability gap funding (VGF) under the regional connectivity scheme, citing the higher cost of operating air services in the state’s mountainous terrain.

The cooperation framework aims to strengthen air connectivity, which is expected to boost tourism and facilitate the movement of tourists and business travelers. The state’s request for a revised funding ratio—from the existing 80% central support to 20% state contribution to 90% central support to 10% state contribution—is driven by the high operational costs in the region.

Various airport connections and expansion proposals are currently underway in Himachal Pradesh, linking cities such as Jaipur, Delhi, and Amritsar.