CM Lays Foundation Stone of Rs. 246 Crore Underground Utility Duct Project to Modernize Shimla’s Infrastructure.
Shimla:
Chief Minister on Sunday laid the foundation stone of the Rs. 246 crore Underground Utility Duct Project in Shimla, marking a significant step towards modernizing the city’s urban infrastructure and enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
The ambitious project aims to create an integrated underground utility duct network across key stretches of the state capital, including Chotta Shimla–Willy Park–Chaura Maidan, Lok Bhavan–Oak Over, and Sher-e-Punjab–CTO Chowk via Lower Bazar. Once completed, the project will enable the systematic installation and maintenance of essential utility services while minimizing the need for frequent road excavation and repairs.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the state government is committed to developing modern, sustainable and citizen-centric urban infrastructure. He stated that the underground utility duct system would significantly improve service delivery, reduce disruptions caused by maintenance works and contribute to making Shimla a more organized, efficient and visually appealing city.
Describing the project as a milestone in Shimla’s urban transformation, Sukhu said that overhead utility cables across the city are being shifted underground to improve the city’s visual landscape and enhance the overall experience for residents and tourists. He emphasized that the initiative would not only strengthen civic infrastructure but also help preserve Shimla’s heritage character and scenic beauty, thereby supporting tourism growth.
The Chief Minister further said that the underground utility network would simplify the maintenance of essential services such as electricity and telecommunications while ensuring greater reliability, particularly during heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions. The project is expected to reduce service interruptions and improve disaster resilience by safeguarding critical utility infrastructure from weather-related damage.
The initiative forms part of the state government’s broader vision to modernize urban infrastructure while maintaining the unique heritage and environmental character of the hill capital.
MLA , Mayor of the Municipal Corporation Shimla , OSD to the Chief Minister , Deputy Commissioner , Superintendent of Police , councillors and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
