A meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee was held today under the chairmanship of Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi. Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh were also present in the meeting.
The Cabinet Sub-Committee was constituted to explore measures for reducing congestion in Shimla city, major industrial areas such as Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN) and district headquarters across the state, with special focus on the relocation of wholesale markets (mandis).
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the development of a new township in the BBN area and the establishment of a satellite town on the lines of Chandigarh. Deputy Commissioner Solan and HIMUDA Chief Executive Officer apprised the committee that 7,042-18 bighas of land have been consolidated for the proposed project.
The committee decided that the state's Land Pooling Policy would be prepared in line with successful land pooling models adopted by other states, including Punjab. The issue of traffic congestion in Shimla was also reviewed. The committee examined several major traffic bottlenecks, including Chhota Shimla Chowk, Sanjauli Chowk, Baluganj Junction, Tutikandi Junction, Dhalli Bypass-Tunnel Chowk, Kasumpti Junction, Dhalli Bus Stand Chowk, IGMC Bypass Chowk, Khalini Chowk, University Junction, Victory Tunnel Chowk, Talland Junction, Local Bus Stand, and other locations identified by the Town and Country Planning Department.
The Public Works Department, HPRIDC and RTDC were directed to conduct regular inspections of these junctions and prepare time-bound plans for implementing congestion-relief measures. The committee also discussed shifting wholesale markets that cause traffic congestion within the city to suitable locations outside Shimla along the newly constructed four-lane highway.
SP Shimla was directed to take strict measures to ensure smooth traffic management at locations such as Shoghi, Dhami and other key areas. Instructions were also issued to prevent parking on both sides of roads and to identify and develop adequate parking facilities wherever required.
MLA Harish Janartha, Director Urban Development Neeraj Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, Municipal Commissioner Bhupender Attri and senior officers of the Town and Country Planning Department were present in the meeting.