PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh Meets Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Seeks Centre’s Support for Key Road, Bridge and Tunnel Projects in Himachal.
New Delhi:
Vikramaditya Singh, Public Works Department (PWD) Minister of Himachal Pradesh, on Wednesday met Union Minister for Road Transport and National Highway Government of India Nitin Gadkari at the Parliament House to seek stronger Central support for several key road, bridge and tunnel projects aimed at improving connectivity across the hill state.
The meeting, held in New Delhi, was also attended by Rajni Patil, Congress in charge in Himachal. During the detailed discussion, the Himachal minister raised a number of proposals related to accelerating infrastructure projects, strengthening all-weather connectivity and ensuring that the fragile mountainous regions of the state receive robust and safe road infrastructure.
Focus on Strengthening Hill Connectivity
Vikramaditya Singh apprised the Union minister of the unique geographical challenges faced by Himachal Pradesh, including steep terrain, frequent landslides and natural disasters that often disrupt road connectivity. He emphasized the need for a long-term and sustainable road network capable of supporting residents, farmers, horticulturists, tourists and defence forces.
The PWD minister informed that several road projects already sanctioned in the state are at different stages of implementation. He requested continued Central support, timely release of funds and flexibility in norms for hill states to ensure that projects progress smoothly without delays.
Bhubu Jot Tunnel Project Raised as Priority
A major focus of the meeting was the strategically important Ghatasni–Shilha–Badhani–Bhubu Jot–Kullu road corridor and the proposed Bhubu Jot tunnel, which the state government wants to be taken up on priority.
Singh urged the Union government to consider declaring this entire road stretch as a National Highway, highlighting its strategic, economic and tourism potential. According to him, the proposed tunnel would provide a vital all-weather link between the Jogindernagar region and Kullu through the Lug Valley.
The project, he said, would significantly reduce the travel distance and time between Pathankot, Jogindernagar, Mandi and Kullu, while also easing traffic congestion on existing routes and improving access to border areas.
He added that the Bhubu Jot corridor could open new opportunities for tourism and local livelihoods, particularly in the Lug Valley, by encouraging home-stay based tourism, small businesses and transport services.
The minister also highlighted the strategic importance of an additional route for defence logistics to high-altitude areas, especially during winters when heavy snowfall blocks several mountain passes.
Key Bridge Projects Also Discussed
Apart from the tunnel proposal, the PWD minister also took up several important bridge projects from different districts of Himachal Pradesh.
He urged the Union government to approve the construction of a double-lane bridge over the Beas River between Basantipattan and Kheri, which would improve connectivity between Kangra and Hamirpur districts. The project, he noted, would decongest existing National Highway stretches and provide a shorter and safer route for daily commuters as well as commercial traffic.
Singh also proposed the construction of a motorable steel truss bridge over the Beas near Pandoh in Mandi district, which would significantly enhance intra-district connectivity and serve as an alternative route during highway blockades.
Support Sought Under Central Schemes
The minister further referred to projects being implemented under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund and other centrally sponsored schemes. He expressed gratitude for the approvals already granted and requested expeditious clearance for additional proposals related to road widening, strengthening, slope protection, tunnels and bypasses.
Singh said the state government has aligned its priorities with the recently approved annual road plan, and the Public Works Department is committed to ensuring high-quality execution of projects on the ground.
Emphasis on Modern Transport Solutions
During the meeting, the PWD minister also appreciated policy initiatives of the Union government such as support for ropeway projects and relaxation of norms for hilly terrain, which could help diversify transportation options and reduce pressure on narrow mountain roads.
He stressed that improved connectivity in Himachal Pradesh is not only a matter of convenience but also essential for economic development, disaster management, healthcare access, education and overall quality of life in remote mountain regions.
Centre Assures Positive Consideration
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari listened patiently to the issues raised by the Himachal delegation and appreciated the detailed presentation of the state’s infrastructure priorities.
Gadkari assured that the concerns and proposals from Himachal Pradesh would be examined sympathetically and that the Union government remains committed to strengthening road and bridge infrastructure in hill and border states.
State Seeks Strong Centre–State Coordination
Reiterating the state government’s commitment, Vikramaditya Singh said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the Himachal Pradesh government is determined to work closely with the Union government to advance critical connectivity projects.
He expressed confidence that with continued Central support, remote and disaster-prone areas of the state will gradually be integrated through better, safer and all-weather roads, creating new opportunities for employment, tourism, investment and inclusive development across Himachal Pradesh.
