CM Sukhu Seeks Central Support for Strengthening Road Infrastructure; Gadkari Gives In-Principle Nod to Rs. 200 Crore Project.
New Delhi:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today called on Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi and held detailed discussions on strengthening road infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh. The Chief Minister sought adequate financial assistance from the Centre for the repair and maintenance of roads and bridges across the state, particularly in view of challenging terrain and recurring monsoon damage.
During the meeting, the Union Minister gave in-principle approval of Rs. 200 crore under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for the Chaila–Neripul–Yashwant Nagar–Ochghat road. The project is expected to significantly benefit apple growers by improving connectivity in major horticulture belts of the state.
The Chief Minister apprised the Union Minister of the progress of the Shimla–Mataur National Highway, which provides crucial connectivity to eight districts of Himachal Pradesh with the state capital, besides linking adjoining states. Emphasizing the hilly terrain and geological sensitivity of the region, he requested the inclusion of the maximum possible number of tunnels in the highway packages between Shimla and Shalaghat, and Bhager to Hamirpur.
He also urged expeditious preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for four-laning of Package-IV, covering the stretch from the end of the Hamirpur bypass at Chilbahal to Bhangbar, including the proposed new northern Hamirpur bypass.
Highlighting monsoon-related damage, the Chief Minister informed that the Chilbahal to Pucca Baroh section has suffered severe deterioration at multiple locations and has not been strengthened for the past five to six years. He noted that this stretch is of strategic importance as it serves as a key access route to several major religious destinations. He requested issuance of necessary directions for handing over this section of NH-03 to the National Highway wing of the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (HPPWD) for development and maintenance works. He also sought early sanction of Rs. 38.37 crore by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for the purpose.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari assured full support to the state government and gave his nod for the requested amount, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to improving road connectivity in Himachal Pradesh.
Chief Minister’s Principal Advisor Ram Subhag Singh was also present during the meeting.
