Chief Minister Thakur 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 support for the repair and maintenance of roads and bridges across the State.
During the meeting, the Union Minister accorded in-principle approval of ₹200 crore under CRIF for the Chaila–Neripul–Yashwant Nagar–Ochghat road, a project expected to significantly benefit apple growers in the State.
The Chief Minister apprised the Union Minister about the progress of the Shimla–Mataur National Highway, which provides connectivity to eight districts of Himachal Pradesh along with links to the State capital and neighbouring States. Considering the hilly terrain and geological sensitivity of the region, he requested the construction of the maximum possible number of tunnels in the packages between Shimla and Shalaghat and Bhager and Hamirpur.
He also urged expediting the 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.
The Chief Minister further informed that the Chilbahal to Pucca Baroh section has suffered extensive damage during successive monsoons and has not been strengthened for the past five to six years. He noted that the stretch is a vital access route to major religious destinations and requested necessary directions to hand over this section of NH-03 to the NH Wing of HPPWD for development and maintenance. He also sought early sanction of ₹38.37 crore by NHAI for the purpose.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari gave his approval to the proposed amount and assured the State Government of full support.
