PWD, SJVNL Sign Rs. 72.82-Crore MoU for Infrastructure Development Under Sunni Dam Project.
Khaira-Ogli road to be upgraded and widened; 152-metre bridge over Sutlej to improve connectivity in Shimla Rural.
Shimla:
The Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) and Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth Rs. 72.82 crore on Wednesday to undertake infrastructure development works under the Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) Plan of the 382 MW Sunni Dam Hydroelectric Project.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh. Superintending Engineer Deepak Raj Chauhan signed the agreement on behalf of the PWD, while SJVNL Executive Director Vikas Sharma signed it on behalf of the company.
The initiative aims to strengthen infrastructure in project-affected areas, improve road connectivity and accelerate development in the region, particularly in the Shimla Rural Assembly constituency.
Under the agreement, the upgradation and widening of the Major District Road (MDR-22) from Khaira to Ogli will be undertaken. The project also includes the construction of a 152-metre-span bridge over the Sutlej River at Ogli-Parlog. These works are expected to improve connectivity between local areas, facilitate smoother movement of people and vehicles, and provide safer and more convenient transportation for residents.
Vikramaditya Singh said the state government was committed to strengthening infrastructure and ensuring better civic facilities for people living in and around project-affected areas. He said the development works would improve accessibility and support economic and other development activities in the region.
The minister also reviewed the progress of works being undertaken by SJVNL and the concerned government departments. During the review, discussions were held on issues related to the Jal Shakti Department, the Sunni Division and matters concerning the project authorities.
He directed the concerned officers to ensure effective implementation of the approved works, strengthen coordination among departments and resolve pending issues without unnecessary delay. He emphasised that close coordination between the executing agencies and government departments was essential for completing development projects within the stipulated timelines.
The minister further said that the state government was committed to improving the quality of life of people in project-affected areas by strengthening essential infrastructure, including roads, drinking water supply and irrigation facilities.
The agreement marks an important step towards implementing infrastructure development works under the rehabilitation and resettlement plan of the Sunni Dam Project. The proposed road improvement and bridge construction are expected to address connectivity-related requirements of local communities and facilitate better access to essential services.
Special Secretary, Public Works, Harbans Singh Brascon; Additional Secretary, Public Works, Shilpi Bekta; Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Sunni, Rajesh Verma; Chief Engineer, Public Works, S.P. Jagota; and officers from the PWD, Jal Shakti Department and SJVNL were present on the occasion.
