Shimla/New Delhi
Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari at Parliament House in New Delhi and sought strong central support for several important road, bridge and tunnel projects in the state.
The meeting was attended by Rajya Sabha MP and Himachal Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajni Patil. Discussions focused on accelerating infrastructure development in the hill state and strengthening all-weather connectivity.
Vikramaditya Singh highlighted the geographical challenges faced by Himachal Pradesh, including landslides, natural disasters and narrow mountain roads. He emphasized the need for a sustainable and reliable road network to support residents, farmers, horticulturists, tourists and defence forces.
Bhubu Jot Tunnel Proposed as Priority Project
During the meeting, the PWD Minister strongly raised the issue of the Ghatasni–Shilha–Badhani–Bhubu Jot–Kullu road and the proposed Bhubu Jot tunnel. He requested the Union Government to declare the entire route a National Highway due to its strategic, economic and tourism importance.
He said the tunnel would provide an all-weather alternative route connecting Jogindernagar and Kullu through the Lug Valley, significantly reducing travel distance and time between Pathankot, Jogindernagar, Mandi and Kullu while easing congestion on existing roads.
Boost to Tourism and Local Economy
According to Vikramaditya Singh, the Bhubu Jot corridor would open new opportunities for tourism and homestay-based livelihoods in the Lug Valley and nearby regions. It would also support small businesses and transport services.
He also pointed out the strategic importance of an additional reliable route for defence logistics to high-altitude areas, especially during winters when several passes remain closed due to heavy snowfall.
Bridge Projects Also Discussed
The PWD Minister also raised proposals for important bridge projects across the state. He requested the construction of a double-lane bridge over the Beas River between Basantipattan and Kheri to improve connectivity between Kangra and Hamirpur districts and reduce traffic pressure on existing highways.
Another proposal included a motorable steel truss bridge over the Beas near Pandoh in Mandi district, which would enhance intra-district connectivity and provide an alternative route during highway blockades.
Request for Faster Approvals
Vikramaditya Singh thanked the Union Government for approving several projects under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) and other schemes. He urged the Centre to expedite approvals for additional proposals related to road widening, slope protection, tunnels and bypasses in the hill state.
He also appreciated policy initiatives such as support for ropeway projects and flexibility in norms for mountainous regions, stating that better connectivity is essential for economic growth, disaster management, healthcare, education and tourism in Himachal Pradesh.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari assured that the concerns of Himachal Pradesh would be considered sympathetically and reiterated the Centre’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure in hill and border states.
Vikramaditya Singh expressed confidence that under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the state government will continue to work in close coordination with the Centre to improve connectivity and infrastructure across Himachal Pradesh.
