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Himachal Road Costs Surge as Bitumen, Diesel Shortages Hit Construction

Himachal Pradesh's Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh has warned that shortages of light diesel oil and bitumen, driven by global inflationary trends, will significantly increase road construction and maintenance costs. Official estimates show per-kilometre costs for schemes like PMGSY have escalated by lakhs, with the cumulative impact nearing Rs 100 crore across state projects. The state government is approaching the Centre for financial support and exploring options like revising project scopes or delaying some targets. However, Minister Singh stressed that the quality of infrastructure will not be compromised despite the cost pressures.

Key Points: Himachal Road Costs Soar Due to Bitumen, Fuel Shortages

  • Road costs surge by Rs 4-12 lakh/km
  • Global inflation hits petrochemical products
  • State seeks Central support for funding
  • Quality standards will not be compromised
  • Project scopes may be revised or delayed
2 min read

"Light diesel oil, bitumen shortage will hit construction costs": Himachal PWD Minister

Himachal PWD Minister warns of major cost escalation in road projects due to global inflation impacting bitumen and light diesel oil supplies.

"Light diesel oil and bitumen shortage will hit road tarring and construction costs. - Vikramaditya Singh"

Shimla, April 5

The rising prices of bitumen and shortages of key fuel inputs are set to significantly increase the cost of road construction and maintenance in Himachal Pradesh, Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh said on Saturday.

"Light diesel oil and bitumen shortage will hit road tarring and construction costs," Singh said, attributing the surge to global inflationary trends impacting petrochemical by-products such as LPG, petrol, diesel and lubricants.

Official estimates indicate a sharp rise in per-kilometre road construction costs across major schemes. Under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and NABARD-funded projects, the cost of 3-metre-wide roads has increased from Rs 13.75 lakh to Rs 17.75 lakh per km, an escalation of Rs 4 lakh.

For 6-metre-wide roads, costs have jumped from Rs 27.50 lakh to Rs 35.50 lakh per km, marking an increase of Rs 8 lakh, while for 10-metre-wide roads, the expenditure has surged from Rs 41.25 lakh to Rs 53.25 lakh per km, reflecting a steep hike of Rs 12 lakh.

Under the Annual Maintenance Plan (AMP), the cost for rural road upkeep has also risen from Rs 11 lakh to Rs 14.15 lakh per km, an increase of Rs 3.15 lakh.

Singh said the cumulative impact of these increases is substantial, with cost escalation running into nearly Rs 100 crore across projects. He added that the state has approached the Centre for support under centrally sponsored schemes to manage the financial burden.

"There is no doubt that global inflation is affecting India as well. The rise in prices of LPG, petrol, diesel and other petrochemical products has directly impacted bitumen and, consequently, road construction costs," the minister said.

He said the government is exploring options to manage the crisis, including revising project scopes, reducing road lengths where necessary, or allocating additional funds. However, he stressed that the quality of infrastructure would not be compromised.

"We may delay some targets depending on the international situation, but we will ensure that quality standards are maintained," Singh said.

The minister added that the issue would be discussed with the finance department and the Chief Minister to arrive at a suitable policy response.

Officials said the state government is likely to review project estimates and budget allocations in light of rising input costs, even as efforts continue to minimise disruption to ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
Global inflation is hitting everyone, but the numbers here are staggering. Nearly Rs 100 crore extra across projects? That's taxpayer money. The government must ensure there's no corruption or wastage while managing this crisis. Transparency is key.
A
Ananya R
Good that the minister is being upfront about the problem. But "reducing road lengths" is worrying. Many villages are still waiting for proper connectivity under PMGSY. Hope they find the funds instead of cutting back.
V
Vikram M
The commitment to not compromise on quality is the most important line in this article. We've seen too many roads washed away in the monsoon. Delays are acceptable, but substandard work is not. Jai Himachal!
K
Karthik V
This will have a ripple effect on the entire economy. Higher construction costs mean less budget for other development work. Time to seriously explore alternative materials and local solutions, maybe? 🤔
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Priya S
As someone from a Himachal village, I can tell you these roads are everything. They get our apples to market, our kids to school, and patients to hospitals. Please don't cut corners. The people are watching.

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