DGBR calls on Chief Minister

• Discusses strategic road infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh

SHIMLA, 12.04.25-Director General Border Roads (DGBR) PVSM, VSM, Lt. Gen Raghu Srinivasan today called on the Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu here today to discuss key infrastructure initiatives under Project Deepak. During the meeting the Chief Minister was briefed about the progress of strategically vital road works in the hill State and the enhancement of connectivity for the people of the state.

The DGBR apprised the Chief Minister that BRO, through Project Deepak was responsible for the up-gradation, improvement and development of three major National Highways (NH-03, NH-05 and NH-505) in the Manali and Sissu sectors of Himachal Pradesh. These works were not only of strategic importance but also aimed at enhancing connectivity and improving the quality of life for residents in remote hill regions.

The Chief Minister appreciated the commendable work being carried out by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) in some of the most challenging high-altitude and inhospitable terrains of the State. He lauded BRO’s significant role in national security and in improving the quality of life of people in remote hill areas.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister asked the BRO to take over the maintenance of critical road stretches, including the Leo Chango and Shiv Mandir to Gue roads, presently under the State PWD.

The Chief Minister also proposed the takeover of additional important roads by BRO, such as the Wangtu-Attargoo-Mudh-Bhawa Pass route which will connect Kinnaur with Lahaul-Spiti district. The route has recently received clearance from the National Board for Wildlife, paving the way for its construction. At an altitude of 4,865 metres, the road will become the second highest motorable road in the country after Khardung La. Once completed, it would reduce the distance between Shimla and Kaza by almost 100 km and offer much-needed alternative to the existing arduous route via Nako, Sumdo and Tabo. The new road would shorten the current 410 km journey to approximately 310 km, thereby improve access and boost tourism, and strengthening defence logistics in the region.

Chief Minister asked BRO to take over the Chamba-Bairagarh-Sach Pass-Killar road, which holds strategic and logistical significance. Connecting the remote Pangi Valley near the India-Pakistan border and the LAC, this route offers an alternate north-south corridor, especially when Manali-Leh or Rohtang routes are blocked. Presently maintained by the State PWD, the road via Sach Pass is open only 4–5 months a year. The Chief Minister also flagged the long-pending 13-km Tissa Tunnel, which would reduce the Chamba–Killar distance by 88 km and enable all-weather connectivity.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that BRO’s involvement would accelerate the development of vital road infrastructure and further strengthen Himachal Pradesh’s strategic connectivity and economic development.

The DGBR assured the Chief Minister that these roads would be taken over as soon as the formal handover from the PWD was completed. He said that in-principle approval for the same has already been obtained and once all the formalities were completed the works on these roads would be accelerated.

Senior officials of the BRO were also present on the occasion.

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CM expresses grief over martyrdom of Subedar Kuldeep Chand

SHIMLA, 12.04.25-Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of Subedar Kuldeep Chand, who made the supreme sacrifice during a counter-terrorist operation in Jammu & Kashmir.

The braveheart hailed from village Kohalwin, Post Office Ghali Kohalwin, Tehsil Nadaun, District Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh.

The Chief Minister saluted the courage and valour of the martyr and said that the entire nation is indebted to this brave soldier who laid down his life in the service of the motherland.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and said that the State Government stands firmly with them in this hour of grief.

The Chief Minister prayed for the peace of the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss.

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SHIMLA-12^th April, 2025

CM attends funeral of cousin at Hamirpur

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu attended the funeral of his cousin (son of his paternal uncle) Kuldeep Singh, who passed away today morning at his native village Gujreda in the Amlehad area of Hamirpur district.

Sh Sukhu prayed for the peace of departed soul and expressed his sympathies with the grief sticken family members.

MLA Sanjay Awasthi, Captain Ranjit Singh, senior Congress leaders Dr. Pushpender Verma and Suman Bharti, along with other party officials, Deputy Commissioner Amarjeet Singh, Superintendent of Police Bhagat Singh Thakur and other senior district officers were also present.

Later the Chief Minister also visited the residence of late Congress leader Avatar Singh Thakur to offer condolences to the grieving family. Avatar Singh Thakur, a senior leader of the Congress and seven-time Pradhan of Bela Panchayat, had passed away recently.