Shimla, April 11: Himachal Pradesh Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the Upper Jaishidhar via Duganal link road, to be constructed at a cost of ₹3.20 crore from the Luhri-Sunni main road in Gram Panchayat Bharada under the Shimla Rural Assembly constituency.
Addressing the gathering, the minister said the long-pending demand of residents of Upper Jaishidhar will be fulfilled, and the road connecting nearly three villages will be completed within six months.
Highlighting ongoing infrastructure projects, Singh said ₹200 crore is being spent on the Salapad–Tattapani road, which is in its final stages. He added that widening of the Sunni–Luhri road is underway at a cost of ₹70 crore, while work on the Shimla–Mandi road is also progressing.
He further said ₹3.87 crore will be spent to upgrade the road to Ayog village, while around ₹11 crore will be used for constructing the Drol–Jaishidhar road to improve connectivity in the region. Approval has also been granted to resume the stalled Darogada–Danoghat road project, which will reduce travel distance between Matyana and Theog.
The minister announced that a major bridge will be constructed between Agali and Parlog at a cost of ₹37 crore. He also said ₹16 lakh will be spent on suspension bridges at Jaishi and Bharada.
Referring to drinking water infrastructure, Singh said a ₹25 crore scheme from Pandoa Khad has been implemented, ensuring adequate supply to seven panchayats, and will be extended to remaining areas.
He also announced the construction of a new Panchayat Bhawan in Bharada at a cost of ₹1.14 crore and urged locals to finalise a site at the earliest to begin construction.
On the Luhri-Sunni power project, Singh said the interests of affected people are a priority. He assured that 43 displaced families would be rehabilitated at suitable locations near the project site. He also directed the company management to ensure regular water sprinkling to control pollution.
The minister said ₹7.5 crore has been sanctioned through the company for the development of drinking water and irrigation facilities, as well as for the revival of traditional water sources. He also called for early site selection for a proposed playground in the area to ensure utilisation of already sanctioned funds.
After the foundation stone ceremony, Singh interacted with residents of Bharada, Jaishidhar and nearby panchayats, and assured prompt redressal of their issues in coordination with officials.
