Himachal Govt Accelerates Development Push
Shimla, March 17
Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Tuesday said that the state government is making continuous efforts to fast-track development across Himachal Pradesh, with a strong focus on roads, infrastructure and urban facilities.
Addressing a press conference, he said that the government is adopting a positive approach along with innovative initiatives to strengthen infrastructure under the Public Works and Urban Development departments. He emphasized that improving road connectivity in remote, hilly and tribal areas remains a top priority.
The Minister informed that he recently met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and Urban Development Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, where key issues related to Himachal Pradesh were raised. He said that the Centre responded positively to the proposals submitted by the state.
Vikramaditya Singh said that projects worth around ₹600 crore have been proposed to the Central Government, giving fresh momentum to development works. Under the Special Assistance Scheme for Capital Investment to States 2025-26, projects worth ₹366 crore have already been approved by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, with the Urban Development Department serving as the nodal agency. He termed it a major achievement that will significantly enhance urban infrastructure and public amenities.
Highlighting key projects, he said that ₹140 crore has been sanctioned for the redevelopment of the vegetable market in Shimla, which will include modern facilities such as a shopping complex, multi-level parking, municipal office, retail outlets, hotel, multiplex, food court and warehouses.
Similarly, ₹80 crore has been approved for transforming the old HRTC bus stand in Hamirpur into a modern city centre with a convention centre, parking facilities, commercial spaces, shopping complex, gaming zone, food court and multiplex.
In addition, a ₹20 crore project has been sanctioned under the Neighbourhood Improvement Plan for the Municipal Corporation of Dharamshala. These projects, he said, will not only strengthen urban infrastructure but also boost economic activity in the state.
Focusing on rural development, the Minister stated that under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, around 1,500 kilometres of roads will be constructed at an estimated cost of ₹2,300 crore. The tendering process has been completed and construction work will begin from April 15.
He urged people to cooperate in providing land for road construction, noting that land availability remains the biggest challenge. He assured that there is no shortage of funds, but timely land acquisition is crucial for project execution.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, Vikramaditya Singh said that strict quality standards will be enforced in all development works and any contractor found compromising on quality will face strict action, including blacklisting. He added that the state government is determined to ensure transparency, quality and timely completion of all projects.
