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Key Points

Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri met Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to discuss critical transportation and infrastructure needs. The meeting focused on extending taxi permit validity, releasing funds for vehicle scrapping, and proposing new highway developments. Gadkari showed receptiveness to Agnihotri's proposals, promising to review and process the requests sympathetically. The discussions highlighted the unique challenges of developing infrastructure in hilly states like Himachal Pradesh.

Key Points: Agnihotri Seeks Gadkari's Support for Himachal Transport Reforms

  • Seeking 15-year validity for all India taxi permits
  • Requesting funds for vehicle scrapping incentives
  • Proposing national highway extensions in Himachal Pradesh
  • Seeking connectivity improvements for industrial areas
2 min read

Himachal Deputy CM urges Nitin Gadkari to increase validity of All India taxi permit to 15 years

Himachal Deputy CM meets Nitin Gadkari, requests taxi permit extension and infrastructure development support

"The Centre is actively considering this issue - Nitin Gadkari"

New Delhi, June 9

Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri met Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari at his residence in New Delhi on Monday and thanked him for extending a generous hand towards the state.

He informed the Union Minister that the state government has requested the Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways to increase the validity of all India taxi permits from the existing 12 years to 15 years, keeping in view the operators' demand. The all India taxi permit should also be granted for 15 years, keeping in view the vehicle scrapping policy period of 15 years.

Gadkari assured that he would look into the matter sympathetically and also directed the authorities concerned to process the case accordingly, a Himachal Pradesh government release said.

He stated that in view of its diverse topographical conditions, the development of hilly states like Himachal Pradesh solely depends upon expanding the road and bridge infrastructure.Agnihotri also urged the Union Minister to release the remaining funds to the tune of Rs.7.63 crores under the scheme for special assistance to the State for capital investment (incentives for scrapping of old vehicles).

He also demanded that the Nangal to Jaijon road be declared a national highway, as it would also cater to the proposed bulk drug park. Agnihotri stated that a DPR to the tune of Rs . 429 crores has already been prepared and it would be submitted to the Government of India under the Gati Shakti scheme.

He also urged that the proposed four-laning of NH 503 A from Amritsar to Hoshiarpur may be extended from Bankhandi (HP boundary) to Jhaleda. This is a stretch of approximately 15 kms and would connect Shree Anandpur Sahib and Mata Chintpurni, which would also benefit the pilgrims visiting these two shrines.

Agnihotri also raised the issue of connectivity between Chandigarh and the Baddi industrial area. Gadkri stated that the Centre is actively considering this issue.

The Deputy Chief Minister also raised the issue for approval for up-gradation of link road Jaijon Modh to Tahliwal Chowk via Bhai-Ka-Modh and three bridges for which Rs. 48.69 crore will be provided under CR|IF. The Union Minister assured that he would approve it on priority. The Union Minister directed that the DPR under the Gati Shakti scheme may be prepared and submitted to the Ministry accordingly.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
Good move by Himachal govt! 15 years validity makes complete sense with the scrappage policy. Taxi operators invest lakhs in vehicles - they deserve stability. Hope Gadkari ji approves this soon. 🚖
P
Priya M.
While infrastructure development is welcome, I'm concerned about environmental impact in fragile Himalayan regions. More roads mean more deforestation and landslides. Hope they conduct proper EIA studies first.
A
Amit S.
Connecting religious sites like Anandpur Sahib and Chintpurni is smart planning. This will boost spiritual tourism and local economy. But please ensure road quality - hill roads become dangerous during monsoons.
S
Sunita R.
As someone from Baddi, better Chandigarh connectivity is long overdue! Our industries suffer due to poor transport. Hope Gadkari sir keeps his word this time. Last promise took 4 years to implement.
V
Vikram J.
Why only 15 years? If vehicle is well-maintained, permit should be renewable without time limit. Bureaucratic hurdles hurt small taxi operators the most. Simplify the process!
N
Neha T.
Happy to see hill states getting attention! But what about public transport? More focus needed on buses and shared mobility. Private taxis alone won't solve Himachal's transport challenges.

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

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