New Delhi: PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh met Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari today, expressing gratitude for the Union government’s allocation of ₹350 crore under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF).
The funds aim to bolster Himachal Pradesh's road connectivity and boost its economic growth.
Singh also thanked Gadkari for facilitating exemptions from forest clearances for ropeway projects, a move expected to streamline critical infrastructure development in the state.
During the meeting, Singh proposed the construction of an alternate road from Ghatasni-Shilha-Badhani-Bhubujot-Kullu, including a tunnel at Bhubujot, under NH-144.
The proposed route would shorten the distance to Kullu by 40 km, significantly benefiting tourism and enhancing the region's strategic connectivity, he said.
Highlighting inter-district connectivity, Singh sought approval for a ₹125.57 crore double-lane bridge over the Beas River between Basantipattan and Kheri, linking Kangra and Hamirpur districts under the Bharat Setu Yojna.
Additionally, he urged priority sanction for a ₹19.09 crore, 110-meter steel truss motorable bridge over the Beas at Pandoh-Shiva road in Mandi district.
Gadkari assured Singh of the Union Ministry's continued support for these critical infrastructure projects, underscoring their importance to the state's development and tourism potential.
