Centre Greenlights ₹3,667 Crore Annual Road Plan for Himachal Pradesh.

Himachal Pradesh is set for a major boost in its road infrastructure with the Central Government approving an Annual Plan of ₹3,667 crore for the financial year 2024-25. This significant allocation will fund the construction and upgrading of roads, bridges, and related infrastructure across the state.

Himachal Pradesh Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh announced on Monday that the plan encompasses a wide range of projects, including the construction of new bridges, road widening initiatives, installation of crucial crash barriers, and other vital works on national highways throughout various districts.

Increased Central Assistance After Ministerial Dialogue

Singh highlighted that the approval comes after his recent meeting with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, held under the directions of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. During the meeting, Singh discussed critical issues facing the state's road network.

The Minister noted that Himachal Pradesh currently has approximately 1,200 kilometers of roads under the national highway network. He had specifically requested increased central assistance for their maintenance and improvement.

He further elaborated on the disparity in previous allocations, stating that while the state submitted an Annual Plan of ₹2,600 crore for FY 2023-24, it received only ₹269 crore, which was "insufficient." However, the state government's proposed plan of ₹3,667 crore for FY 2024-25 has now been fully approved by the Centre in June, marking a significant increase in support.

Key Projects Approved: Tunnels and Road Upgrade

Among the key approvals, Vikramaditya Singh revealed that the Central Government has given in-principle approval and sanctioned ₹1,452 crore for the construction of a tunnel beneath Jalori Jot in Kullu district, under National Highway-305. This tunnel is expected to not only boost tourism but also greatly benefit lakhs of local residents.

Additionally, to address persistent issues of landslides near Brauni Nala on National Highway-5, the Centre has approved ₹135 crore for the construction of a bridge at this problematic location.

Another substantial approval includes ₹1,385 crore for the four-laning of the Kala Amb-Paonta Sahib-Dehradun road. This allocation covers land acquisition and pre-construction activities, paving the way for a major upgrade to this vital route.

Gratitude and Future Hopes

The PWD Minister extended his gratitude to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and the Central Government for approving these significant funds. He expressed hope for continued strong coordination between the Centre and the State, emphasizing the state government's commitment, with central support, to ensuring balanced and inclusive development across all regions.

During his recent visit to Delhi, Singh also met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to discuss the proposed Bhubu Jot tunnel and road connecting Mandi and Kullu districts. He requested that this road leading to the tunnel be declared strategically important as a defense route.

Singh conveyed the state's optimism for a positive outcome on this crucial road project in the near future. Once completed, this road would reduce the distance between Pathankot and Kullu by 40 to 50 kilometers, providing significant benefits for tourism, local residents, and the Indian Army.