SHIMLA-13^th December, 2024 -Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh called on Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari at New Delhi today. He thanked the Union Minister for sanctioning Rs. 350 crores under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) which will go a long way in improving road connectivity and enhancing economic growth of the state. He also thanked for the support extended by the Minister for providing exemption to ropeway projects from forest clearances by the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest & Climate Change.

PWD Minister also requested for construction of an alternate road from Ghatasani- Shilha- Badhani-Bhubujot- Kullu with the tunnel at Bhubujot which will reduce 40 km distance on National Highway 144. He said that this tunnel is very important from tourism point of view besides its strategic importance. He further added that this will greatly facilitate tourists visiting Kullu district.

Vikramaditya Singh also urged Gadkari for providing approval for the construction of Rs. 125.57 crore double-lane bridge over river Beas between Basantipattan and Kheri connecting Kangra & Hamirpur districts on priority under Bharat Setu Yojana. He said that the Chief Minister had also raised this issue with the Union Minister during his previous meeting. He also requested for construction of Rs. 19.09 crore 110-meter span single lane steel truss motorable bridge over river Beas Pandoh on Pandoh- Shiva road in district Mandi.

PWD Minister said that the Union Minister assured of all possible support to the state.