In a major push for Himachal Pradesh’s connectivity, State Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh met with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi today to expedite several key road and infrastructure developments across the state. The meeting yielded significant progress, with the Union Minister granting in-principle approvals for crucial highways, including ₹25.11 crore for repair and tarring of the Banjar-Aut stretch on National Highway-305 and a ₹395 crore allocation for the Nagrota Bagwan-Ranital section on National Highway-303.
High on the agenda was the strategic ₹1,775 crore Jalori Tunnel project, where Vikramaditya Singh urged the Ministry to fast-track pending approvals. Responding to the request, Gadkari issued direct instructions to senior Ministry officials to clear administrative hurdles and accelerate the formal approval timeline without delay.
The State Minister also conveyed his gratitude for the approval of two vital road upgrade projects valued at ₹239.45 crore under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for 2026–27. Encompassing the Tikkar-Jarol-Gahan-Nankhari-Khamadi route and the Chaila-Neripul-Yashwantnagar-Kumarhatti stretch, these upgraded arteries will drastically improve logistics for Himachal’s apple belt, facilitating smoother transport for local growers during peak harvest seasons.
Highlighting Himachal’s rugged topography, Vikramaditya Singh requested an additional ₹3.46 crore under the Setu Bandhan Project for new bridge construction, alongside an increase in the state’s annual CRIF allocation to ₹200 crore. Assuring full cooperation, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari reiterated the Centre’s commitment to strengthening the hill state’s road infrastructure and providing all required financial and administrative assistance.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
