The Himachal Pradesh government has secured administrative approval of Rs 239.45 crore under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) 2026-27 from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for two road upgrade projects in the state. The sanction, equivalent to Rs 2,394.5 mn, was cleared to improve connectivity and support regional economic activity. Officials said funds will be routed through state executing agencies to begin planning and tendering. The approved projects include the upgrade of the Chhaila-Neripul-Yashwant Nagar-Kumarhatti Road at Rs 203.52 crore, or Rs 2,035.2 mn, and the remaining 16 km stretch of the Tikkar-Jarol-Khamadi Road at Rs 35.93 crore, or Rs 359.3 mn. The Public Works Department (PWD) prepared project reports and pursued the proposals with the Union ministry. The works aim to meet engineering standards for all-season traffic and improve resilience against weather disruptions. Vikramaditya Singh, Public Works and Urban Development Minister, said the sanction was the outcome of sustained and coordinated efforts by the state government and the PWD with the Union government. He said administrative formalities will be expedited to enable prompt award of construction contracts. The minister envisaged that the projects would be completed within stipulated timeframes to deliver early benefits. Singh described the Chhaila-Neripul-Yashwant Nagar-Kumarhatti Road as a lifeline for apple-growing areas such as Theog, Kotkhai, Jubbal, Rohru and Chopal and said the upgrade will facilitate faster and safer transportation of apples and other horticultural produce. Upgraded surfaces and geometry are expected to reduce travel times and vehicle operating costs. Enhanced connectivity should also reduce post-harvest losses and expand market access for rural producers. He said completion of the Tikkar-Jarol-Khamadi Road will finalise the entire road corridor and provide major relief to farmers and horticulturists, particularly in the Rampur Assembly Constituency, by ensuring seamless access to collection centres and markets. The minister framed the projects as investments in infrastructure and livelihoods that will support the long-term growth of the horticulture sector. Work schedules will be monitored by the state to ensure adherence to quality and timeline commitments.