Gaggal Airport Expansion Sparks Concerns Over Worker Displacement

The expansion of Gaggal Airport has sparked significant concerns among local workers who fear displacement. While shopkeepers may receive compensation, employees who have worked for decades are left uncertain about their futures. They are calling on local authorities to establish a fair compensation and rehabilitation policy that addresses their needs. This situation highlights the challenges faced by long-term employees in the face of development projects. Read on to learn more about the implications of this airport expansion.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 21, 2026, 17:08 IST

Impact of Gaggal Airport Expansion on Local Workforce

Rajkumar Choudhary reports from Gaggal (Kangra) that the ongoing expansion of Gaggal Airport is causing significant distress among local shopkeepers and their employees. While shopkeepers are being offered compensation, the workers who have dedicated 20 to 25 years to these businesses are left in uncertainty regarding their future.

Many of these workers voiced their fears, highlighting that their long-standing contributions could be erased in an instant, jeopardizing their ability to provide for their families and fund their children's education. They pointed out that although the demolition of shops is underway, the government has not yet communicated any plans for relief or compensation for the affected workers.

In light of these challenges, the workers have reached out to the Deputy Commissioner of Kangra, the Airport Authority, and state officials, urging them to create a comprehensive rehabilitation and compensation strategy that encompasses not just the shopkeepers but also the employees reliant on these businesses for their livelihoods.