Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh met with Santosh Kumar Yadav, Chairman of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in New Delhi today to address the devastating impact of flash floods and cloudbursts on Himachal’s National Highways (NHs). Urgent reconstruction of the damaged roads and bridges was discussed during the meeting, with the Minister seeking allocation of funds based on the estimates submitted to NHAI authorities. The Minister highlighted the urgent need for personal intervention in allocating funds, especially for critical projects like the Left Bank of River Beas in Manali, the Chakki-Pathankot Bridge, and others along the Manali-Mandi NH.
He emphasized the importance of restoring and repairing the Manali-Mandi NH and the Nalagarh Bridge, along with other bridges and roads linked to the National Highways, particularly on the Manali-Mandi-Swarghat road NH. Notable locations requiring attention include the bridges at Pandoh, Bhuntar, Kullu, Raison, Katrain, and near Manali. Minister Singh requested the speedy restoration of the Chakki-Pathankot bridge to facilitate smooth vehicular movement, urging for expedited repair work. Santosh Kumar Yadav assured the PWD Minister of releasing funds at the earliest to address the road restoration needs in the state. A central team has been deployed to Himachal to assess the extent of losses caused by the natural calamities.
In addition, Vikramaditya Singh also met with Anurag Jain, Secretary MoRTH, and informed him about the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF). The DPRs encompass widening and strengthening of Rangas-Barsar road via Mehre, upgradation of Ner Chowk-Ratti Kalkhar road, Chaila-Neripul-Yashwantpur-Ochghat-Kumarhatti road, Tikkar-Jarol-Gahan-Nankhari-Kamadi road, improvement and strengthening of Chail-Gohar-Pandoh road, and Shahpur-Sihunta-Chowari road. These DPRs will be submitted to the Ministry soon for further action. Jain assured all possible assistance to reconstruct the roads and bridges, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to facilitating the people of Himachal Pradesh.
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