PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh Seeks National Highway Status for Strategic Bhubujot Route in Meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
New Delhi:
In a significant move to enhance strategic connectivity and regional development in Himachal Pradesh, Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi last evening, urging for the declaration of the Ghatasni–Shilha–Badhani–Bhubujot–Kullu road as a National Highway.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the proposed route, Singh emphasized the urgent need for an alternative to the Pathankot–Manali–Leh National Highway, which currently serves as a vital arterial link for both civilian and defence logistics to the northern frontier. He pointed out that the Bhubujot route would shorten the distance by nearly 55 kilometers, providing not only stable and all-weather connectivity but also enhancing national security preparedness by creating a dependable parallel corridor.
“This alternative route will serve as a strategic lifeline for defence movement and simultaneously support local development by boosting tourism and the rural economy in the region,” said Singh during the meeting.
He urged the Union Defence Minister to accord sanction to the project, recognizing its dual importance in terms of national security and regional economic development.
In response, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh acknowledged the critical value of the proposal and assured the PWD Minister of the Centre’s full support. He stated that all possible assistance would be extended to ensure that the project moves forward in a timely and effective manner.
The Ghatasni–Bhubujot–Kullu road, if declared a National Highway, is expected to not only improve strategic defence logistics but also open new avenues for sustainable tourism and regional trade in Himachal Pradesh. The road traverses areas of natural beauty and holds potential for development of eco-tourism circuits and remote village connectivity.
The meeting is part of a broader effort by the Himachal Pradesh government to secure Central assistance for critical infrastructure projects in the state’s hilly and border regions, where connectivity plays a crucial role in both development and defence strategy.
This engagement between state and central leadership marks another step in strengthening the road infrastructure of Himachal Pradesh, aligning regional needs with national priorities.
