SHIMLA: The long-delayed Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri railway line and the Chandigarh-Baddi rail project have become a political battlefield between the Himachal Pradesh government and the opposition BJP. The two lines have turned into a Political Punching Bag as Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri Hits Back at BJP today.
The Bhanupalli-Bilaspur project, stuck for over 20 years, saw Agnihotri stepped in to clear the air here today at the press conference, slamming the opposition BJP for misleading the public and laying the blame solely on the state government.
Agnihotri called for the Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri line to be declared a **strategic defense project** , stressing its crucial role in extending the railway up to Leh, near the Chinese border.
"This project is vital for national security," Agnihotri said, adding that the Centre should fund the entire project as a defense initiative.
With the cost of the project having ballooned **tenfold** over the years—from ₹1,047 crore to a staggering ₹10,000 crore—Agnihotri emphasized that the state’s share had shot up from ₹261 crore to ₹4,000 crore, straining Himachal’s finances.
He refuted the BJP’s accusations that the state government was dragging its feet on funding, revealing that the Sukhu government had already contributed ₹336 crore since taking office.
"We have done our part, and it’s time for the Centre to step up," he asserted.
Agnihotri didn’t stop there. He also highlighted the Chandigarh-Baddi rail project, a **₹1,500 crore venture**, where Himachal has to foot half the bill.
Out of the ₹775 crore required from the state, ₹223 crore has already been allocated, and another ₹63 crore will be released in November, leaving just ₹89.75 crore outstanding.
The Deputy CM expressed frustration over the opposition’s claims, stating, "Rumors are being spread that we’re stalling the project, but the numbers speak for themselves."
On the broader transport front, Agnihotri revealed the government's push for modernization, including the introduction of **333 electric buses** and **250 diesel buses** for the state’s remote areas.
Tenders have already been issued, and new Volvos are being ordered to replace the aging fleet. He stressed the need to involve HRTC employees in the decision-making process, noting that their input is crucial for the state’s transport overhaul.
In a direct jab at the opposition, Agnihotri said, "These big projects are crucial for Himachal’s future, and we’re serious about seeing them through. It’s time to stop spreading lies and start working together for the state's progress."
