HPTDC’s Costly Shift: Tastes Dharamshala Move, But No Real Gains Yet promoting Himachal tourism from Kashmir
Dharamshala: In a move loaded with symbolism but light on savings, the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (HPTDC) has shifted its state headquarters from the capital Shimla to Dharamshala — but without actually cutting costs or gaining much operationally.
On paper, the Sukhu government’s flagship ‘Vyastha Parivartan’ mission aimed to decentralize governance and boost regions beyond Shimla.
But on the ground, HPTDC’s much-hyped shift has started on shaky ground.
The new headquarters has been temporarily housed in Kashmir House — a majestic colonial-era bungalow built in 1935 by Lala Amar Nath Sud, once owned by Raja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir, and later by Punjab government, before it landed in HPTDC’s lap.
Until recently, this was one of HPTDC’s prized luxury hotels in the heart of Dharamshala, drawing high-paying guests with its heritage charm and sweeping views.
But with the office now occupying the space, the tourism body has effectively shut down a key revenue spinner.
Ironically, instead of saving money, HPTDC is still retaining its rented RITZ office in Shimla, where it pays a hefty rent of ₹1.75 lakh per month. So much for cost-cutting.
“We've moved only 30 employees here initially. It's a temporary move, especially during the off-season,” said HPTDC MD Rajiv Kumar, who took charge in Dharamshala today. “We’ll continue to hold on to the RITZ office in Shimla for now.”
The shift has drawn a mixed response from employees and tourism watchers alike.
While the Dharamshala region will gain some administrative visibility, many wonder if it's wise to sacrifice a luxury hospitality property for office use — especially in a lean tourist season that still sees decent footfall in Kangra.
And in the larger scheme, the ‘decentralization’ narrative seems blurred. If HPTDC neither shuts its Shimla office nor saves on rent, what exactly has been achieved?
Critics argue it’s a classic case of “vyastha badli, par samasya wahi ki wahi” (system changed, but the problems remained).
For now, HPTDC seems to be testing the waters.
But whether this “taste” of Dharamshala proves to be sustainable — or just another administrative half-measure — only time (and the next tourist season) will tell.
