Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta today presided over a high-level meeting to evaluate the progress on road restoration projects and winter preparedness measures ahead of the colder months.
Officials reported that directives have been issued to the NHAI’s regional officer to maintain two-lane connectivity along the Kiratpur–Manali National Highway, even at sites damaged by recent monsoons. The NHAI representative confirmed the highway is already operational with at least two lanes in all affected stretches.
The CS emphasized the need for all departments to finalize winter-related arrangements before the season begins. He highlighted the importance of planning in advance for snow clearance, connectivity maintenance, and public comfort during winter.
He instructed that repair work on about 120 roads damaged by last season’s rains be expedited, with the aim of reopening most of them by month-end.
PWD Secretary Dr. Abhishek Jain informed the meeting that the department is locating appropriate sites for muck disposal and prioritizing strengthening existing roads over constructing new ones to safeguard the environment. He also noted that the PWD has partnered with IIT Ropar for technical support to boost capacities and ensure transparency in infrastructure work. The focus, he said, is on climate-resilient infrastructure to counter intensifying climate challenges.
