Manali/Shimla: To aid connectivity and promoting cement transportation and tourism in Himachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and union Minister for NH Shri Nitin Gadkari have approved the upgrade of NH-205 with paved shoulder to a four-lane highway.
With an estimated cost of ₹1244 crore, this project marks a new chapter in the state's development initiatives.
The highway starts from Kiratpur, Namhol and Darlaghat, hub of cement industry. The commuters will get rid of traffic congestion and speeding up transportation to the Punjab.
The most of the cement factories now are owned by the industry magnet Gautam Adani in Himachal.
The upgraded highway, spanning across neighbouring districts Bilaspur, Solan Mandi and Shimla. Kiratpur-Manali high way has drastically reduced travel time to Manali by three hours. The new section to Darlaghat will cut time by an hour.
This remarkable improvement not only facilitates smoother transportation but also enhances accessibility to vital facilities like AIIMS, Bilaspur ensuring better healthcare services for the region.
In response to the project, the state government has declared the highway as a "Green Corridor," aiming to promote eco-friendly tourism and boost trade activities.
This strategic move is poised to unleash a wave of economic opportunities while preserving the pristine beauty of the region.
Expressing his enthusiasm, Hamirpur MP and IB Minister Anurag Singh Thakur stated, "The new four-lane project with paved shoulder marks a monumental leap forward in Himachal Pradesh's infrastructure.
"It not only reduces travel time but also ensures safer journeys for commuters, paving the way for enhanced tourism and economic growth in the region."
The approval of this project underscores the government's commitment to prioritizing infrastructure development and fostering sustainable growth in Himachal Pradesh.
As travelers and locals alike celebrate this transformative initiative, it heralds a promising future for the state's prosperity and progress.