Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj called on Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav at New Delhi today.Urban Development Minister apprised the Railway Minister about the plan of state government to ease out traffic congestion in the main town of Shimla under Smart City Project. He said that after studying all aspects, the state government has drafted a plan to improve Cart Road (Circular Road) from Railway Station to Victory tunnel as it is the central point which provides access to the main town. He said that Jubbarhatti airport, HP University, Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, ARTRAC HQ, various offices of Central Government, HP Secretariat, Vidhan Sabha, various Directorates, educational Institutions and hotels including many Heritage Structures constructed during British era are situated in the town.
He said that regular traffic jams have become a major problem resulting in increase in travel time for the tourists and local people especially between the stretch from exit point of Railway station to Victory Tunnel. Even during normal conditions two light vehicles cannot pass smoothly on this stretch, he added.Suresh Bhardwaj apprised the Union Minister that Government of Himachal Pradesh has improved about 53 spots which were hindering smooth flow of traffic on this road by spending in crores for safety of the public. He informed that only stretch from Railway Station to Victory tunnel has been left to improve for want of N.O.C from Railway Ministry. He requested for its speedy approval and added that state government has no objection if the Ministry undertakes the improvement work and shall fully cooperate. He also discussed about 230 meter flyover opposite Vidhan Sabha.The Union Minister heard the demands and assured of all possible assistance.