SHIMLA-15 Feb 2026

State to construct Asia’s Longest Zipline Project at Naddi to Boost Tourism

To give a major fillip to tourism in the Kangra region, the State Government led by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has decided to develop Asia’s longest zipline project at Naddi in the picturesque Dhauladhar valley of Kangra district. The proposed 4.3 kilometre long Naddi Zipline Project, with an estimated cost of Rs. 7.41 crore, is envisioned as a landmark adventure tourism initiative. The project will feature four stations, Gallu (starting point), Ball village, Naddi and Maggie Point Khad (terminating point), offering visitors a thrilling experience while showcasing the breathtaking natural beauty of the Dhauladhar ranges. The project is proposed to be completed within a period of 36 months.

The zipline is proposed to be developed at the Naddi View Point in Dharamshala, a location renowned for its panoramic vistas. Once completed, it is expected to significantly enhance tourism infrastructure in the region, attract adventure enthusiasts, generate employment opportunities and contribute to the overall economic growth of the area.

The Chief Minister stated “The State Government has accorded the status of “Tourism Capital” to Kangra district and several initiatives are being implemented to strengthen tourism infrastructure and promote sustainable tourism development in the district. ”

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State approves Rs. 1617 Crore for Modernization of Medical Colleges and Super Speciality Institutions

With the objective of providing affordable, high-quality healthcare services across the State, the Government has approved Rs 1,617 crore in the first phase of Rs. 3,000 crore comprehensive healthcare modernization initiative. This investment will upgrade infrastructure in Government Medical Colleges, Super Speciality Centres and Adarsh Swasthya Sansthans. The project is scheduled for implementation from 1^st April 2026 to 30^th April 2031.

Timely medical intervention is critical to patient outcomes. Delays in diagnosis and treatment not only worsen health conditions but also significantly escalate costs. Studies suggest that late diagnosis can increase a patient’s medical expenses by 30–50 percent, underscoring the importance of strengthening healthcare infrastructure and ensuring prompt access to quality care.

A Government Spokesperson stated here today that under this ambitious initiative, institutions will be equipped with high-end diagnostic facilities, simulation-based medical training systems, AI-enabled handheld X-ray devices and integrated digital health platforms. The project aims to ensure timely access to specialized care, reduce referral-related costs, improve patient outcomes and strengthen emergency response systems in remote and far-flung areas. It will also promote gender-equitable and climate-resilient healthcare, positioning Himachal Pradesh as a pioneering State in accessible and technology-driven public health modernization.

The Spokesperson stated that the first component of the project focuses on strengthening physical infrastructure. This includes new construction, renovation and upgradation of academic blocks, outpatient and inpatient facilities in Government Medical Colleges. High-fidelity simulation centres, AR/VR-based training facilities, digital libraries and skill labs integrated with e-learning platforms will also be established. Advanced imaging and diagnostic equipment such as MRI, CT scanners, digital radiology systems and molecular diagnostic laboratories will be installed. Digital platforms including PACS, LIMS, Telemedicine and Learning Management Systems (LMS) will be integrated to enable interoperable data exchange in accordance with ABDM standards.

Under the second component, tertiary care centres at IGMC Shimla, AIMSS Chamiana and Dr. Radhakrishnan Government Medical College, Hamirpur will be further strengthened. Services such as renal and bone marrow transplant, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery, advanced endoscopic procedures, pediatric care and robotic-assisted surgeries will be expanded. Institutions will be equipped with cutting-edge technologies including O-arm 3D imaging, neuro-navigation systems, robotic surgery platforms and integrated critical care monitoring systems. An Advanced Pediatric Care and Innovation Centre will also be established to integrate critical, surgical and tele-enabled pediatric healthcare delivery.

The third component of the project envisages strengthening Adarsh Swasthya Sansthans by equipping them with modern diagnostic and surgical facilities, including CT scanners, mobile X-ray units, ultrasound machines, laparoscopic systems, and ophthalmic surgical units. Telemedicine services and digital referral networks will be expanded to seamlessly connect district hospitals with tertiary and Super Speciality centres.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the State Government is fully committed to providing specialized and quality healthcare services to the people. He emphasized that several initiatives have already been undertaken to modernize health institutions across the State. The Government has introduced robotic surgery facilities at AIMSS Chamiana and Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda and similar facilities will soon be extended to other medical colleges for the benefit of patients. He further added that the State Government plans to invest Rs. 3000 crore in the coming period to equip health institutions with state-of-the-art medical equipment.

According to health department data, 9.5 lakh patients travel outside Himachal Pradesh annually for treatment, resulting in an economic loss of Rs. 1350 crore to the state’s GDP. If quality healthcare services are made available within the state, it is estimated that Rs. 550 crore of the state GDP could be saved annually, along with valuable time for patients.

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First-Ever Online e-Auction for Retail Liquor Vends and Entry Toll Barriers in State

To enhance transparency, accountability and ease of doing business, the Department of State Taxes & Excise, will allot retail excise liquor vends and entry toll barriers for the financial year 2026–27 through a fully transparent online e-Auction process for the first time in the State’s history.

The e-Auction will be conducted unit-wise, with separate online bids for each unit comprising retail excise liquor vends. Applicants will be able to participate in the bidding process remotely from their homes or offices.

The Commissioner, State Taxes & Excise, Dr. Yunus, stated that all applicants must mandatorily register on the designated e-Auction portal using a valid Digital Signature Certificate (DSC). Only bids submitted online through the official portal will be accepted. The link to the e-Auction portal will be made available on the Department’s official website www.hptax.gov.in.

Prospective bidders are advised to carefully read and understand the Excise Policy 2026–27, Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs), and user manuals before participating in the bidding process. These documents will be accessible on the departmental website as well as on the e-Auction portal, he said.

Interested bidders are further advised to regularly visit the official website for updates, notifications and detailed instructions related to the e-Auction process. He said that to facilitate smooth participation, the Department has established the helpline numbers, Headquarters 0177-2620426 and WhatsApp 94183-31426, South Zone 0177-2620426, North Zone 01894-230186 and Central Zone 01905-223499.

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