Centre approves Rs 200 crore for key HP road benefitting apple growers | Chandigarh News
Shimla: Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday approved, in principle, Rs 200 crore under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for the Chaila–Neripul–Yashwant Nagar–Oachghat road project in Himachal Pradesh.The road passes through Shimla, Sirmaur and Solan districts and is expected to significantly benefit apple growers by improving transportation and market access for horticultural produce. The approval followed a meeting between chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Gadkari in New Delhi, during which detailed discussions took place on strengthening road infrastructure across the state. Sukhu also sought enhanced financial assistance for the repair and maintenance of roads and bridges, particularly in view of the challenging hill terrain and recurring monsoon damage.
Sukhu briefed Gadkari on the progress of the Shimla–Mataur national highway, a crucial corridor providing connectivity to eight districts, along with the state capital and neighbouring states. He stressed upon the need for constructing maximum number of tunnels in Shimla–Shalaghat and Bhager–Hamirpur packages, citing geological sensitivity and hilly conditions. He also requested expedited preparation of the detailed project report (DPR) for four-laning of Package IV, covering the end of the Hamirpur bypass at Chilbahal to Bhangbar and the proposed northern Hamirpur bypass.Sukhu highlighted severe monsoon damage on the Chilbahal–Pucca Baroh section, which had not been strengthened for the past 5-6 years, despite being a vital route to major religious destinations. He added that the stretch of NH-03 be handed over to the national highway wing of the state PWD and sought early sanction of Rs 38.37 crore by the NHAI. Gadkari approved the requested amount and assured full support to the state govt.
