Shimla, Jul 19 (IANS): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Sunday visited under-construction heliport at Sanjauli, a suburb of the state capital, and reviewed the progress of the Rs 14-crore project.

He directed officers concerned to ensure timely completion of the heliport that would go a long way in facilitating tourists visiting Shimla and nearby hill stations.

Thakur said that once completed, the heliport would be used instead of Jubbarhatti under UDAN-II (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme. The heliport will have a VIP lounge and a utility area.

Three more heliports are coming up in the state at Mandi, Rampur, and Baddi.

Such heliport would be developed at all district headquarters, the Chief Minister added.

Later, he visited the Bantony Castle near Kalibari here and reviewed the conservation and restoration work undertaken with an outlay of Rs 25.45 crore.

Thakur said this ADB-funded Project would have three blocks -- Block A would house a museum based on Himachali theme, Block 'B' a food court serving Himachali cuisine and gallery of Himachali art and craft, and Block 'C' with common amenities and open-air theatre on the top floor.

He said a light-and-sound show in the complex would be an added attraction for the tourists.

The Chief Minister directed the officers to ensure quality construction and renovation of this project, besides ensuring that the original architecture was followed.