SHIMLA: Even as Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu continues to accuse the Centre of stepmotherly treatment, PWD and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh has managed to secure a major push for funding from the Union government.
During a high-level meeting in New Delhi chaired by Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Vikramaditya Singh presented a ₹5,400 crore urban development plan under the Urban Challenge Fund. He spoke about the difficulties faced by hill states like Himachal, where most of the area is mountainous and tourist numbers are very high.
The meeting brought a clear outcome. The Centre asked the state to send priority projects worth ₹1,100–1,200 crore and assured quick approval once DPRs are submitted.
Singh said these projects focus on real issues—reducing traffic pressure in Shimla, creating hydraulic parking, laying underground utility systems, and developing new townships like Kangra Aerocity.
While the political debate over Centre-state relations continues, this development shows that steady follow-up and direct talks are helping Himachal secure funds for key projects.
