SHIMLA: Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today laid foundation stone of Rs. 19.82 crore Sabzi Mandi at Darni Ka Bagicha in city, Rs. 9.82 crore flyover at Khalini Chowk, Rs. 7.62 crore foot over bridges phase-II and III near Vikasnagar ahead of the Shimla municipal corporation polls.
He also laid foundation stone of Rs. 17.18 crore Bus Stand, Transport Office, Workshop and Commercial Complex, Dhalli in Shimla town.
Chief Minister laid foundation stone of these five major projects when there is no elected municipality of the city as the present body had expired its term on June 21 this year. The election to the new body is yet to be announced.
Addressing public meeting at Dhalli, Chief Minister said that all these projects would not only prove to be a landmark of Shimla town, but would also facilitate the locals as well as the tourists.
He said that Shimla was not only the capital of the State, but has also distinction of being summer capital of British India and tourist destination.
He said that the State Government was committed to restore the old glory of Shimla town, besides making it a smart city.
He said that efforts were being made to widen existing roads, construct pedestrian paths and parking slots, improve water supply, beautify parks etc.
Jai Ram Thakur said that Rs. 70 crore Chabba water supply scheme was completed in a record time of nine months after the Shimla town witnessed unprecedented water crisis during the summer of 2018.
He said that this has solved the water problem of the Shimla town. He also accused the previous Government for ignoring the interests of people of Shimla town.
Chief Minister said that Rs. 1813 crore water supply scheme was being constructed for Shimla town, which on completion would provide 24 hours water supply to the people of Shimla town.
He said the double lane tunnel is being constructed in Dhalli, which would ensure smooth flow of traffic on this busy route.
He said that not even a single tunnel was constructed after independence in Shimla town.
Chief Minister said that he was a silent worker and does not believe in politics of vendetta and vengeance. He also thanked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his benevolence towards the State and its people.
Jai Ram Thakur said that in the coming time, process of land acquisition would be initiated for construction of international airport at Mandi and railway network would also be strengthened soon.
He said that 20 more electric buses would be provided for Shimla town and 15 electric buses for Dharamshala town, to facilitate the commuters of these towns. He said that charging station would also be setup at Taradevi.
Earlier, the Chief Minister flagged off 21 advanced fire fighting vehicles worth Rs. 7.64 crore for different parts of the State from The Ridge here.
Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj said the Dhalli Bus Stand would be constructed at a cost of Rs. 17 crore under Smart City Project.
He urged the people of Shimla town to cooperate with authorities to make Shimla a ‘Smart City’ in real sense.
He also thanked the Chief Minister for initiating several projects and schemes for the welfare of the poor and downtrodden.
