Himachal's Plea for National Highway Status and Restoration Aid

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has appealed to Union Minister for Road Transport and National Highways, Nitin Gadkari, to grant National Highway status to the 39.20 km Ranital-Kotla and 41.50 km Ghumarwin-Jahu-Sarkaghat roads.

Sukhu also requested funds amounting to Rs 172.97 crore for the restoration of various state roads damaged due to flash floods and landslides during the last monsoon season. These roads include Kullu-Manali, Mandi-Kamand-Katola-Bajaura, and Chail-Gohar-Pandoh. The appeal was made during a review meeting of National Highway Projects chaired by Gadkari on Tuesday.

Underscoring the importance of road transport in Himachal Pradesh, Sukhu pointed out that no new National Highways have been declared in the state for the past eight years. He emphasized the necessity to restore these roads to alleviate traffic congestion on existing National Highways, especially during the monsoon season when significant stretches of the Kullu-Manali Highway were damaged.

He also highlighted the crucial role of the Shimla-Mataur National Highway, which connects eight districts to the state capital and neighboring states, requesting its upgrade to four-lane standards.

Furthermore, Sukhu mentioned that 69 National Highways had been declared and alignment reports for 58 NHs were submitted for approval in 2018-19, urging a swift review and approval process. In response, Gadkari assured appropriate actions and directed contractors to ensure timely completion of works. State Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh was also present at the meeting.

(With inputs from agencies.)