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Himachal Gets ₹2,247 Cr Road Boost: 294 New Rural Roads Approved

The Government of India has approved ₹2,247.24 crore under PMGSY Phase-IV for constructing 294 new rural roads in Himachal Pradesh. The project will provide all-weather connectivity to over 250 habitations and link 429 villages with pucca roads for the first time. The approval followed a meeting between Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and State Minister Vikramaditya Singh, who had raised pending issues including the release of ₹76 crore. The road network is expected to improve access to essential services and boost development in remote, hilly, and tribal areas.

Key Points: ₹2,247 Crore PMGSY-IV Approval for Himachal Roads

  • ₹2,247 crore approved for rural roads
  • 294 roads covering 1,538 km
  • Connects 429 villages
  • Jointly funded by Centre and State
2 min read

Himachal Pradesh gets Rs 2,247 crore approval under PMGSY

Centre approves ₹2,247 crore for 294 new rural roads in Himachal Pradesh under PMGSY-IV, connecting over 250 habitations.

"a historic step towards strengthening rural infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh - Vikramaditya Singh"

Shimla, January 21

Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday received approval of Rs 2,247.24 crore from the Government of India under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-Phase IV for the construction of 294 new rural roads covering a total length of 1,538.608 km across the state, according to a release.

The approval follows a recent meeting between Union Minister for Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Himachal Pradesh Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh in New Delhi.

Under PMGSY-IV, the sanctioned roads will provide all-weather connectivity to over 250 rural habitations. As many as 429 unconnected or underdeveloped villages will be linked with pucca roads for the first time. The project will be jointly funded by the Centre and the State, and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for all works have already been prepared, the release said.

During the January 8-9 meeting, Vikramaditya Singh had sought early approval for the state's PMGSY-IV proposals and also raised pending issues related to the clearance of three road packages in the Dodra-Kwar area, the completion of residual PMGSY-I works, and the release of around ₹76 crore pending with the Centre. The Union Minister assured full cooperation and support.

The newly sanctioned road network is expected to significantly improve access to education, healthcare, agricultural markets, and employment opportunities in remote and hilly regions. The roads to tribal and border areas will also strengthen disaster management, emergency healthcare access, and the supply of essential commodities.

Vikramaditya Singh said that the sanction of over Rs 2,247 crore under PMGSY-IV is a historic step towards strengthening rural infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh. He added that in a hilly state, roads are the lifeline of development, and the department is committed to completing the projects in a time-bound, quality-driven manner.

The Public Works Department has prepared a detailed action plan focusing on quality assurance, road-safety audits, environmental compliance, and the use of modern technology. The progress of the works will be monitored through the OMMAS portal, while district administrations and field officers have been directed to complete the formalities and initiate construction at the earliest, ensuring transparency and local employment generation.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from a remote village, I know the struggle of bad roads. Ambulances can't reach on time, students miss school during rains, and farmers can't get their produce to market. ₹2,247 crore is a big amount. Please ensure every rupee is used properly and there is no corruption.
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Rahul R
Good step, but I have a concern. The article mentions ₹76 crore is still pending with the Centre. Why these delays? Such funds are crucial for hill states. The Union Minister's assurance is welcome, but timely release is what matters. Development shouldn't get stuck in bureaucracy.
S
Sarah B
The focus on road-safety audits and environmental compliance is very positive. Building in the Himalayas requires extreme care to prevent landslides and ecological damage. Using modern tech and monitoring via OMMAS portal sounds promising for transparency. Hope it sets a good example.
A
Aman W
Strengthening roads in border areas is a strategic necessity. It's not just about development; it's about national security and being able to respond quickly in any situation. This will help our armed forces and paramilitary as much as the local citizens. A very important project.
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Nisha Z
Local employment generation mentioned is key. When big projects come, often contractors bring outside labour. Hope the PWD keeps its word and hires locally. It will boost the village economy and give people a stake in maintaining these roads. Fingers crossed for timely completion!

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