New Delhi, January 27, 2026:
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday called on Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in the national capital and strongly pitched for enhanced Central support to strengthen Himachal road infrastructure, especially in view of the state’s fragile hill terrain and repeated monsoon damage.
During the meeting, the Union Minister gave in-principle approval of Rs. 200 crore under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for the Chaila–Neripul–Yashwant Nagar–Ochghat road, a key route that directly supports apple growers and rural communities in upper Himachal.
The Chief Minister underlined that improving Himachal road infrastructure is critical not only for mobility but also for safeguarding livelihoods, tourism and emergency access in remote areas. He said frequent landslides and extreme weather conditions demand sustained investment in repair, strengthening and modernisation of roads and bridges across the state.
CM Sukhu also briefed the Union Minister on the progress of the Shimla–Mataur National Highway, which connects eight districts with the state capital and also provides inter-state connectivity. Stressing the geological sensitivity of the region, he urged the Centre to incorporate maximum tunnels in various packages between Shimla–Shalaghat and Bhager–Hamirpur to ensure safer and more sustainable travel.
Highlighting pending infrastructure needs, the Chief Minister requested early preparation and approval of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for four-laning of Package-IV, covering the Chilbahal end of the Hamirpur bypass to Bhangbar, including the proposed northern Hamirpur bypass.
He also drew attention to the Chilbahal–Pucca Baroh stretch, stating that the road had suffered extensive damage during successive monsoons and had not been strengthened for nearly six years. Calling it a vital route for pilgrims and local commuters, CM Sukhu urged that the section be handed over to the NH wing of the HPPWD and sought early sanction of Rs. 38.37 crore by NHAI for urgent restoration work.
Responding positively, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari assured full cooperation and extended support for strengthening Himachal road infrastructure, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by hill states. He agreed to facilitate necessary approvals and financial assistance for priority projects.
Chief Minister’s Principal Advisor Ram Subhag Singh was also present during the meeting.
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