Centre Clears Rs 36.67 Bn Road Plan for Himachal

03 Jul 2025 CW Team

Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh announced that the Union Government has sanctioned Rs 36.67 billion for the construction and upgrade of roads, bridges and related infrastructure across Himachal Pradesh in 2024 25. The funding—part of the Chief Minister’s revised annual proposal—covers carriageway widening, crash barrier installation and bridge works on national highways.

The Minister said the state previously received only Rs 2.69 billion against a 2023 24 request for Rs 26 billion, prompting fresh talks with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. This year’s higher allocation reflects those discussions and will support roughly 1,200 kilometres of highway within the hill state.

Key approvals include Rs 14.52 billion for a tunnel beneath Jalori Jot on NH 305, expected to boost tourism and provide an all weather lifeline for thousands of residents. A further Rs 1.35 billion will fund a bridge at Brauni Nala on NH 5, replacing a landslide prone section repeatedly damaged in recent monsoon seasons.

The Centre has also earmarked Rs 13.85 billion for four laning the Kala Amb–Paonta Sahib–Dehradun corridor, covering land acquisition and preliminary works. Singh expressed gratitude to Gadkari for the swift approvals and said cooperation between the state and the Centre would continue to drive balanced, inclusive growth.

During his Delhi visit, Singh also urged Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to classify the proposed Bhubu Jot tunnel route between Mandi and Kullu as a strategic defence road. Once completed, the link would shorten the Pathankot–Kullu distance by up to fifty kilometres, aiding both tourism and military logistics.

Infrastructure Urban

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