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Himachal CM Secures Rs 200 Crore Road Funding from Gadkari for Apple Belt

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu met Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari in Delhi, securing in-principle approval for Rs 200 crore under CRIF for the Chaila-Neripul-Yashwant Nagar-Ochghat road to benefit apple growers. The discussions also covered the progress of the strategic Shimla-Mataur National Highway, with requests to introduce tunnels on sensitive stretches. The CM highlighted severe monsoon damage to the Chil Bahal to Pucca Baroh section of NH-03 and sought its transfer to the state for maintenance. Gadkari assured full support, including approval for the requested funds.

Key Points: Himachal CM Sukhu Meets Gadkari, Gets Rs 200 Cr Road Approval

  • Rs 200 crore approved for apple belt road
  • Discussions on Shimla-Mataur Highway progress
  • Request for tunnels on key packages
  • Focus on repairing monsoon-damaged stretches
  • Early sanction of Rs 38.37 crore requested
2 min read

Himachal CM Sukhvinder Sukhu meets Nitin Gadkari, approves Rs 200 cr for key road project

Himachal CM Sukhvinder Sukhu meets Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, secures Rs 200 crore for a key road project to aid apple growers and discusses highway upgrades.

"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. - Official Release"

Shimla, January 27

Himachal Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday called on Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in the national capital, according to a release.

The Himachal CM held detailed discussions on strengthening the state's road infrastructure and demanded adequate financial support for road repair and maintenance.

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 release stated that the Chief Minister apprised him of the progress on the Shimla-Mataur National Highway, which connects eight districts to the state capital and to adjoining states. He requested the introduction of the 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 expediting the process for the preparation of DPR for four laning of Package four, which covers the end of the Hamirpur bypass at Chilbahal to Bhangbar and the new northern Hamirpur bypass.

Himachal CM also informed that the Chil Bahal to Pucca Broh section has suffered severe damage during monsoons at various locations and has not been strengthened for the last five to six years. He said that the stretch was important as it serves as a key access route to major religious destinations.

CM Sukhu urged to issue necessary directions for handing over Chil Bahal to the Pucca Baroh section of NH 03 to the NH wing of HPPWD for carrying out development and maintenance activities. He also requested the early sanctioning of Rs 38.37 crore by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

The Union Minister gave his nod to the amount and assured the State government of full support.

Chief Minister's Principal Advisor Ram Subhag Singh was present in the meeting.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally some focus on our hill states. The tunnels on Shimla-Shalaghat section are absolutely necessary for all-weather connectivity. Landslides block that road every monsoon. Hope the DPRs are prepared quickly and work starts soon.
R
Rohit P
Good step, but I hope the funds are used properly this time. We've seen announcements before but the ground reality in Himachal's interior areas hasn't changed much. Maintenance is key, especially after monsoons. The Chil Bahal to Pucca Broh section mention is spot on - it's in terrible shape.
M
Meera T
As someone from Shimla, this is very welcome. The Shimla-Mataur highway is our lifeline. Improving it will boost tourism and local business. Glad the CM is pushing for tunnels considering the geological sensitivity. Safety should be the top priority.
D
David E
Investing in mountain infrastructure is crucial for economic development. The focus on connecting religious destinations is also smart - it supports both pilgrims and the local hospitality sector. Hope the execution matches the planning.
S
Siddharth J
The approval is fine, but what about transparency in the tendering process? We need to ensure the contracts go to competent firms, not just politically connected ones. Infrastructure in the hills requires specialized expertise.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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