Shimla: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a major push to strengthen infrastructure, governance, and citizen-centric services, while outlining an ambitious roadmap for roads, revenue reforms, disaster resilience, and rural development in the state.
Road Infrastructure Plan
The state government has proposed an extensive expansion and upgradation of road infrastructure in the coming financial year, including:
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Construction of 500 km of new roads
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950 km tarring and metalling work
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Construction of 47 bridges
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1,500 km road upgradation and renewal
An allocation of around ₹1,000 crore has been made for repair, restoration, and strengthening of existing infrastructure. Proposals for major bridge projects, including over the Beas river, have already been sent for approval under central schemes.
Additionally, the government is exploring PPP (Public-Private Partnership) mode for key tunnel projects, including proposals in Chamba district, to boost connectivity in remote regions.
Revenue Reforms and Digital Governance
The government is undertaking sweeping reforms to modernise the revenue department:
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Complete digitisation of land records
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Expansion of online services and mutation systems
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Creation of a comprehensive farmer database
Monthly special drives at the tehsil level have led to the disposal of:
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Over 54,000 demarcation cases
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Around 15,000 mutation-related cases
From January onwards, special revenue courts will further accelerate the disposal of pending cases.
The Swamitva Yojana is also being expanded across the state. In Hamirpur district alone, over 5,000 property cards have already been issued, granting legal ownership rights to rural households.
Ease of Living and Transparency
To reduce public inconvenience:
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Online mutation and registration systems are in the final stages
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Aadhaar-linked verification and mobile-based communication are being integrated
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Sub-registrar offices will be modernised with better infrastructure and digital systems
The government will also roll out a National Generic Document Registration System, eliminating offline registration and enhancing transparency.
Women Empowerment in Property Ownership
In a significant decision, the government announced reduced stamp duty for women:
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For property purchases between ₹80 lakh to ₹1 crore, stamp duty will be capped at 4%
This move is expected to encourage women’s ownership of property and strengthen their financial independence.
Disaster Recovery and Resilience
With Himachal frequently facing natural disasters, the government has made substantial provisions:
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Around ₹2,007 crore earmarked for reconstruction of disaster-hit infrastructure
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Additional ₹200 crore allocated for restoring rural livelihoods
A comprehensive disaster recovery framework will be implemented, focusing on risk assessment, data protection, and rapid response systems.
Rural Livelihood and Skill Development
Under new initiatives:
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Focus on 12 key sectors including handicrafts, beekeeping, horticulture, and rural tourism
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Skill development and market linkages for artisans, small farmers, and rural entrepreneurs
Employment and Administrative Strengthening
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645 पटवारी पद to be filled in a phased manner
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Strengthening of पंचायत and local governance systems
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Expansion of digital services to reduce dependency on physical visits to government offices
Vision Ahead
The Chief Minister reiterated that the government is committed to building a transparent, citizen-friendly, and resilient Himachal, ensuring that services reach people at their doorstep.
He emphasised that even in the face of disasters, the government remains determined to support affected families. “No disaster-hit family will be left unsupported,” he asserted, highlighting enhanced relief measures for both fully and partially affected households.
The announcements reflect a comprehensive approach aimed at improving infrastructure, governance, and quality of life, while ensuring inclusive and sustainable development across Himachal Pradesh.
