New Delhi, Jul 12 (IANS): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Thursday called on Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh here and raised the issue of setting up an international airport in the state that could also be important from strategic point of view.

The Chief Minister apprised the Union Minister that an international airport is proposed to be constructed in Mandi district for which 3,479 bighas of land has been identified at Nagchala.

A team of the Airport Authority of India has inspected the land and after a survey, it has been found suitable for constructing the airport, he said.

Thakur said Mandi district is centrally located and approachable from the border regions, including Pathankot.

He said except Chandigarh, there is no other defence airport available in the region for armed and defence foreces.

The setting up of a defence airport would be an effective step from strategic point of view in the hill state. Besides, it would also help in giving a boost to the tourism sector and economy of the state, he added.