New Delhi:

Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Thursday called on Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi and discussed a series of key road infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening connectivity across the hill state.

During the meeting, the Union Minister approved in principle the release of Rs. 25.11 crore for the improvement and tarring of the Banjar–Aut stretch on National Highway (NH)-305 (Sainj–Luri–Banjar–Aut road). The project is expected to significantly improve road connectivity and facilitate safer and smoother travel for residents and tourists alike.

Vikramaditya Singh also pressed for the early sanction of the ambitious Rs. 1,775-crore Jalori Tunnel project, describing it as a crucial infrastructure initiative for enhancing all-weather connectivity in the region. Responding positively, Nitin Gadkari directed officials of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to expedite the sanctioning process, giving a major boost to the state’s efforts to secure approval for the strategically important tunnel.

The PWD Minister further requested the Union Minister to provide Rs. 395 crore for the development of the NH-303 Nagrota Bagwan–Ranital road. Gadkari agreed in principle to the proposal, assuring the state of the Centre’s support for improving road infrastructure.

Expressing gratitude to the Union Minister, Vikramaditya Singh thanked him for approving two significant road projects worth Rs. 239.45 crore under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for the financial year 2026–27. The sanctioned projects include the upgradation of the Tikar–Jarol–Gahan–Nankhadi–Khamadi road and the Chaila–Neripul–Yashwant Nagar–Kumarhatti road.

The PWD Minister said these projects would greatly improve road connectivity in the apple-growing regions of Himachal Pradesh and provide substantial benefits to horticulturists by ensuring faster and more efficient transportation of produce to markets.

During the meeting, Vikramaditya Singh also urged the Union Minister to allocate Rs. 3.46 crore for the construction of bridges under the Setu Bandhan Project. He requested the Ministry to sanction additional projects under both the CRIF and Setu Bandhan schemes, pointing out that roads remain the primary mode of transportation in the mountainous state and are essential for economic development and public convenience.

The Minister further appealed for increasing Himachal Pradesh’s annual allocation under the CRIF to Rs. 200 crore, emphasizing the state’s growing infrastructure needs and the importance of sustained investment in road development.

Assuring the state government of the Centre’s continued cooperation, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said that all possible assistance would be extended to Himachal Pradesh for strengthening its road network and accelerating critical infrastructure projects.