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Key Points

Himachal PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to push for national highway status for the Ghatasni-Kullu road. He emphasized its strategic value as an alternative to the Pathankot-Manali-Leh route. The project aims to boost tourism and rural connectivity while cutting travel distance by 55 km. Rajnath Singh assured full support for the initiative.

Key Points: Vikramaditya Singh Seeks National Highway Status for Ghatasni-Kullu Road

  • Vikramaditya Singh highlights road's strategic importance for Pathankot-Manali-Leh connectivity
  • Road could shorten distance by 55 km
  • Push to strengthen rural infrastructure under PMGSY-III
  • Defence Minister assures support for the project
2 min read

Himachal: Vikramaditya Singh meets Rajnath Singh, urges to declare Ghatasni-Shilha-Badhani-Bhubujot- Kullu road as national highway

Himachal PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh urges Rajnath Singh to declare Ghatasni-Kullu road as a national highway for strategic and tourism benefits.

"It would provide a stable highway besides boosting tourism and strengthening the rural economy. – Vikramaditya Singh"

Shimla, June 10

The Public Works Department (PWD) Minister of Himachal Pradesh, Vikramaditya Singh, called on Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi.

He urged the declaration of the Ghatasni-Shilha-Badhani-Bhubujot-Kullu road as a National Highway, keeping in view its strategic significance.

He said that there was an urgent need for an alternative connectivity to the Pathankot-Manali-Leh NH, and this road would not only serve the purpose but also shorten the distance by about 55 kilometres.

"It would also provide a stable highway besides boosting tourism and strengthening the rural economy," he added.

He urged Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to sanction the project. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured to provide all possible support to the state.

Earlier, on May 19, the Public Works Department (PWD) Minister of the Himachal Pradesh government said that the department was all set to start the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) stage four once it was approved by the Union government.

Vikramaditya Singh detailed Himachal Pradesh's progress under the PMGSY, highlighting key milestones achieved in road infrastructure in rural and remote areas of the state."Our government made sustained efforts to strengthen the road network across Himachal, especially in remote and backwards regions where all-weather connectivity was crucial," Singh said.

He reported that under PMGSY-III, 3,100 kilometres of roads and 43 bridges had already been sanctioned, with projects spread across Mandi, Kangra, and Hamirpur districts."We executed PMGSY-III projects worth Rs 345 crore. Our goal was to complete these within 18 months. Already Rs 802 crore had been spent, and by the end of 2024-25, Rs 650 crore more was expected to be utilised out of the Rs 905 crore budget," he said.

Singh further shared that meetings with the Minister of State for Rural Development had yielded positive responses.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
This is a much-needed initiative! Himachal's terrain makes connectivity challenging, and having an alternative route to Leh will be a game-changer for both defense logistics and tourism. Hope the central government approves it soon. 🙏
P
Priya M.
While infrastructure development is important, I hope they conduct proper environmental impact assessments. Himachal's fragile ecosystem shouldn't be compromised in the name of development. Balance is key!
A
Arjun S.
Strategic roads in border states are crucial for national security, especially with China's increasing infrastructure near LAC. This NH declaration should be fast-tracked - better connectivity means quicker military mobilization if needed.
S
Sunita T.
As someone who frequently travels to Kullu, this is excellent news! The current roads get so crowded during peak season. A shorter route will save time and reduce traffic pressure on existing highways. Fingers crossed! 🤞
V
Vikram J.
Good to see state and central governments working together on infrastructure. But I hope they ensure quality construction - many NH projects in hilly areas develop cracks within months due to poor workmanship.
N
Neha P.
The economic benefits for local villages along this route could be huge! Better roads mean farmers can transport produce faster, students can reach schools more easily, and medical access improves. Development reaching last-mile areas is always welcome.

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