Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday announced a major riverfront development project in Manali with an estimated cost of Rs 250 crore. The project aims to strengthen tourism and improve infrastructure in the popular hill town.
The project was announced during the inauguration of the Manali Winter Carnival-2026. Addressing the gathering, Sukhu said the state government is working to establish Himachal Pradesh as a leading global destination for nature, religious, adventure, spiritual and wellness tourism.
“Tourism is a key pillar of the state's economy. To enhance the experience for visitors, we are developing Green Himachal Biodiversity Parks and riverside parks in both urban and rural areas,” he said.
He also added that the state government is encouraging cultural and tourism events like the Winter Carnival to ensure that tourists get a rich and memorable experience during their visit to Himachal Pradesh.
The chief minister said a new eco-tourism policy has already been implemented in the state. Under this policy, 11 eco-tourism sites were allotted by November 2025, while the allotment process for another 27 sites is currently in its final stage.
He said these initiatives are aimed at giving a strong boost to the tourism sector and at the same time creating new self-employment opportunities for local people.
To promote adventure tourism, the state government has identified 245 trekking routes across Himachal Pradesh and is developing a dedicated mobile application to assist tourists. Ropeway projects are also being taken up on priority to ensure better connectivity and environmental conservation, Sukhu said.
The chief minister said Kangra district is being developed as the tourism capital of Himachal Pradesh. Major projects include a world-class zoological park at Bankhandi, which is being built at a cost of Rs 619 crore, and the state’s first skywalk bridge at Hassan Valley in Kufri near Shimla.
He added that the government is also focusing on horticulture tourism. Large orchard clusters are being developed as part of rural tourism to showcase Himachal’s natural beauty and to fully utilize the state’s huge potential for adventure and nature-based tourism.
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