In a significant boost to Himachal Pradesh’s infrastructure and connectivity, the Central Government has approved an annual road development plan worth ₹3,667 crore for the financial year 2024–25. The announcement was made by Himachal Pradesh Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh, who confirmed that the plan encompasses construction and upgradation of roads, bridges, and related infrastructure across the state, including critical projects along national highways.
Minister Singh highlighted that the state government’s previous proposal of ₹2,600 crore for 2023–24 had received only ₹269 crore, which was grossly inadequate to meet the region’s growing needs. However, this year, the Centre’s approval of ₹3,667 crore marks a dramatic turnaround and reflects a renewed focus on the development of Himachal’s road infrastructure. Singh emphasized that the funds will be utilized not just for new constructions but also for key upgrades, including crash barriers and road widening across the state’s challenging terrain.
Among the landmark announcements is the Centre’s in-principle approval and funding of ₹1,452 crore for the construction of a tunnel beneath the Jalori Jot pass in Kullu district, along National Highway-305. Once completed, this tunnel is expected to open up a new tourism corridor in the region while ensuring uninterrupted year-round connectivity for residents who currently face travel disruptions due to heavy snowfall and landslides.
Another crucial intervention includes ₹135 crore sanctioned for the construction of a bridge at Brauni Nala on National Highway-5. This area has repeatedly suffered from devastating landslides, causing severe damage to the road and disrupting vehicular movement. The proposed bridge is expected to offer a long-term solution to this recurring issue, safeguarding both lives and livelihoods in the region.
Furthermore, the Central Government has approved ₹1,385 crore for the four-laning of the Kala Amb–Paonta Sahib–Dehradun road. This critical stretch connects Himachal Pradesh with Uttarakhand and will see land acquisition and pre-construction work commencing soon, ensuring smoother and safer transit across state borders.
Minister Singh expressed his gratitude to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari and the Central Government for what he described as a “transformational approval” for Himachal’s infrastructure landscape. He noted that such strategic investments would not only boost tourism and trade but also provide employment opportunities and enhance public safety across the hilly terrain.
The minister also underscored his meeting with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his visit to New Delhi, where he discussed the long-pending demand for the Bhubu Jot tunnel, a vital road link connecting Mandi and Kullu districts. Singh proposed that the road leading to the tunnel be declared of strategic importance, which would place it under central priority due to its potential role in national defence logistics.
If approved, the Bhubu Jot project is expected to reduce the distance between Pathankot and Kullu by 40 to 50 kilometers. This reduction in travel time would be a boon not only for the tourism sector and local communities but also for the Indian Armed Forces, enhancing their operational mobility in the region.
Minister Singh reiterated the state government’s commitment to inclusive and balanced development. With stronger Centre-State cooperation now in place, Himachal Pradesh is poised for an era of improved connectivity, economic growth, and enhanced strategic relevance.
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