PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh called on Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari at New Delhi last evening and discussed about various road projects keeping in view the ensuing monsoon season in the state. During the meeting, the Union Minister approved Rs. 50 crore under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for the Khamadi-Tikkar road in district Shimla, on his request, said Vikramaditya.
The Minister while thanking Sh. Gadkari for sanctioning Rs. 50 crore for Khamadi-Tikkar road also urged for the release of Rs. 150 crore, as were previously announced by the Union Minister, for repairing PWD roads connecting the National Highways. He said that this funding was crucial keeping in view the monsoon ahead.
He also requested the prompt approval and sanction of Rs. 30 crore, the estimates of which were already submitted to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for the maintenance and repair of the Kamand-Kataula and Chail Chowk-Pandoh roads. He said that these roads serve as important alternate routes and help alleviate traffic congestion, especially when the National Highway gets damaged.
He said that these all-weather roads were vital for easing traffic congestion while commuting towards Kullu and Manali. PWD Minister also reminded Sh. Gadkari about the construction of Shimla-Mataur NH to four-lane instead of double lane as has already been apprised by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu to Union Minister.
He urged to issue necessary directions to concerned authorities of NHAI for uniform up gradation of the National Highway. He also informed that many important projects have been deleted in the Draft Annual Plan that were significant for the State and urged for their inclusion in the Annual Plan 2024-25.
The Union Minister was also detailed about the refurbishment estimate of a section of NH-5 worth Rs. 70 crore submitted to the Ministry which was still pending and requested for its speedy approval keeping in view the starting of holy Mani Mahesh Yatra approaching in August. The Union Minister assured of all possible help to the state.
Engineer-in-Chief NP Singh, Chief Engineer Suresh Kapoor and Senior Special Private Secretary to PWD Minister Rajesh Bhardwaj also accompanied the Minister.