Himachal Pradesh Government Committed to Holistic Development, says PWD and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh.
Shimla:
Vikramaditya Singh, the Minister for Public Works and Urban Development, today emphasized the Himachal Pradesh government’s commitment to the all-round development of the state. He assured that continuous efforts are being made to ensure inclusive growth across all sectors.
Singh highlighted the strengthening of the state’s road network as a key focus area. Under the PMGSY-3 scheme, the Public Works Department plans to upgrade 2,000 kilometers of roads. Out of these, 679 kilometers will be constructed using FDR (Flexible Pavement) technology, while 468 kilometers will be built with CTB (Cement Treated Base) technology. The remaining roads will be developed using traditional methods. Additionally, a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for 900 kilometers of roads under PMGSY-4 has been proposed, with construction already underway for those under PMGSY-1.
The minister further added that in the year 2025-26, the government plans to begin tarring on 625 kilometers of new roads, of which 425 kilometers will be constructed under NABARD funding, and 200 kilometers will be developed under the Special Area Development Programme, Central Road Infrastructure Fund, and the Chief Minister’s Village Road Scheme.
Moreover, Singh revealed that 500 new roads, spanning a total of 300 kilometers, will be built under NABARD and the Special Core Development Program, with an additional 200 kilometers of roads under the Chief Minister’s Village Road Scheme. Alongside, 50 kilometers of roads will undergo upgrades under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund. The minister also mentioned that construction of 50 new bridges and 35 buildings will be initiated by 2025-26. As part of the annual repair plan, 1,800 kilometers of roads will undergo maintenance and renewal, and patchwork will be carried out on 10 lakh square meters of roads under the Chief Minister’s Village Road Scheme, making 3,500 kilometers of roads pothole-free.
In terms of urban development, the government plans to launch several new initiatives in 2025-26. A two-month IEC campaign for solid waste management will be introduced to encourage community participation. The establishment of cluster-based biogas plants and the expansion of material recovery centers will also be a priority. To further enhance service delivery and citizen convenience, the government will roll out eight online services, including trade licenses, waste collection, billing, property registration, and more, through a single portal (UPYOG) for easy access by residents.
Additionally, the government aims to implement drone-based GIS for property mapping and initiate house-to-house surveys for creating family registers in urban local bodies to improve data accuracy and service delivery.
Singh also announced the construction of parks and parking spaces in remote urban localities and promised the organization of camps to resolve citizens’ issues promptly. On the lines of MNREGA, the Chief Minister Urban Livelihood Scheme will be launched to benefit a larger number of people. The Urban Prosperity Festival (NULM) will soon commence, and beneficiaries will be assisted under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban).
Under the AMRUT scheme, Singh shared plans to revitalize water supply, sewage systems, green spaces, and municipal bodies, with an investment of Rs 84.28 crore. He also emphasized the need to focus on water supply coverage, metering, efficient distribution networks, and the sustainability of water sources in urban areas.
The Public Works and Urban Development Minister concluded by reaffirming the state government’s commitment to ensuring modern amenities, better infrastructure, and prosperous urban development. He urged officials to adopt a new approach with innovative initiatives to ensure sustainable and inclusive development for the people of Himachal Pradesh.
