Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday held extensive discussions with stakeholders of several industries, including the tourism sector and said the government is committed to supporting the early implementation of projects and fostering economic development in the state. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of adapting to changing industry dynamics in the meeting with stakeholders in the Solan district.
“To promote industrialisation, the government is prioritizing the expansion of Kangra Airport, building new heliports, and improving road and rail connectivity in the state to reduce logistics costs. These initiatives will enhance the existing industrial, physical, and social infrastructure in the state,” he said.
Chief Minister Sukhu added that bringing substantial investments into the state is crucial for generating employment opportunities for the youth besides increasing revenue to the state exchequer. Sukhu said that the state government plans to establish a dedicated investment promotion and facilitation bureau to support and facilitate investment on the ground. “The bureau will streamline the process by providing a single platform for potential investors to obtain all necessary clearances within a specified timeframe,” he said.
He further said that the government is actively working towards expediting stalled investment projects and attracting new investments.
“The present State Government was laying special focus on making Himachal Pradesh a Green Energy State. The government intends to introduce the country’s first ‘Green Hydrogen Policy’ to promote sustainable practices and develop six ‘Green Corridors’ for Electric Vehicles (EVs) across the state,” the CM said. The state government is making several efforts, he said, to create a favourable environment for investments in the state by ensuring that investors face no obstacles.
“Himachal Pradesh is known for its abundant electricity and water supply which provides a conducive environment for investment,” the CM said. He said that the government’s focus was on strengthening existing industrial areas. Incentives are being offered to investors in the proposed Bulk Drug Park and Medical Device Park in the state.
The state government is actively developing infrastructure for these mega projects, Sukhu added. Another goal of the state government is to develop Himachal Pradesh into an “all-season” tourism destination with Kangra district as the state’s tourism capital.
Additionally, Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said that the state government plans to establish a land bank soon, simplifying the process for investors to select suitable land and that efforts are underway to expedite the execution of pending investment projects.
