Shimla: Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu called on Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari at New Delhi today. He held detailed discussions about strengthening the road infrastructure in the state and demanded adequate financial support for repair and maintenance of roads and bridges in the state.
The Union Minister approved Rs. 200 crore in principle under CRIF for Chaila-Neripul-Yashwant Nagar-Ochghat road which would facilitate the apple growers immensely in the state.
The Chief Minister apprised him about the progress of Shimla-Mataur National Highway which is providing connectivity to 8 districts with the state capital besides adjoining states. He requested for introduction of maximum number of tunnels for Packages between Shimla to Shalaghat and Bhager to Hamirpur keeping in view the hilly terrain and geological sensitivity of the area. He also requested for expediting the process for preparation of DPR for four laning of Package four which covers end of Hamirpur bypass at Chilbahal to Bhangbar and the new northern Hamirpur bypass.
He also informed that the Chil Bahal to Pucca Broh section has suffered severe damage during monsoons at various locations and has not been strengthened since last five to six years. He said that the stretch was important as it serves as a key access route to major religious destinations. He urged to issue necessary directions for handing over Chil Bahal to Pucca Baroh section of NH 03 to NH wing of HPPWD for carrying out development and maintenance activities. He also requested for according early sanctioning of Rs. 38.37 crore by NHAI.
The Union Minister gave his nod for the amount and assured of full support to the State government.Chief Minister’s Principal Advisor Ram Subhag Singh was present in the meeting.
