SHIMLA: Vikramaditya Singh, HP PWD Minister has urged the Border Roads Organization (BRO) to actively explore four alternate routes, including the old Hindustan-Tibet route, to ensure year-round connectivity for Kinnaur.
He informed that traffic has been restored to Manali from Left Bank and between Mandi and Kullu on Mandi-Kamand-Kataula and on Pandoh-Chailchowk-Sundernagar roads in Mandi district.
Chairing a virtual meeting to assess the progress of road restoration projects necessitated by heavy rains across the state, Singh said construction was also ongoing on the Pandoh to Kainchi Morh road, with traffic expected to resume shortly.
He emphasized that inadequate drainage systems contributed significantly to the road damage and urged officials to prioritize the clearing of blocked culverts and drainage areas.
In alignment with the Chief Minister's directives, the department is committed to maintaining momentum in this restoration process.*
He said recent heavy rains had caused extensive damage to roads throughout the state, resulting in more than 600 roadblocks.
In response, a comprehensive effort to clear these roads has been underway, with an ambitious goal of reopening around 550 roads within the next three days. Minister Singh stressed the importance of 24/7 work to meet this target.
To ensure regular updates and coordination, Singh announced that weekly review meetings for all four zones would be held through video conferencing.
He said PWD has received Rs. 30 crore for the acquisition of additional machinery. The procurement process is already in motion, and Singh expressed gratitude to CM for facilitating this.
Meanwhile, temporary machinery hires will be considered to bridge any equipment gaps until the procurement is complete.*
Singh highlighted the importance of consistent monitoring of the crucial Kullu Valley road, with dedicated personnel and machinery, while directing expedited road restoration efforts in Jaisinghpur, Bhawarna, and Nagrota divisions of Kangra district.
Special attention was also requested for the maintenance and repair of alternative link roads, particularly at the Chakki Mod section on the Shimla-Chandigarh Highway.*
Vikramaditya Singh acknowledged the substantial challenge facing Himachal Pradesh due to recent calamities, estimating the Public Works Department's losses at around Rs. 2,600 crore.
He praised Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for securing funds to restore roads up to the divisional level.
He also announced plans to strengthen 2,683 km of rural roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III after the monsoon season, with a focus on quality and cutting-edge technology.*
