Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu Lays Foundation
Shimla, June 8
In a major step towards improving public convenience and modernizing urban infrastructure, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Sunday laid the foundation stone of a Rs 246-crore Underground Utility Duct Project in Shimla.
The project is designed to streamline essential utility services, reduce disruptions caused by maintenance works and enhance the overall urban landscape of the state capital. It envisages the construction of an integrated underground utility duct network covering Chhota Shimla–Willy Park–Chaura Maidan, Lok Bhavan–Oak Over and Sher-e-Punjab–CTO Chowk via Lower Bazar.
Once completed, the underground utility system will facilitate the systematic laying and maintenance of utility services, significantly reducing the need for frequent road-cutting activities that often inconvenience residents and commuters. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sukhu said that the state government is committed to developing modern, sustainable and citizen-centric urban infrastructure. He said the project would improve service delivery, minimize disruptions and help make Shimla a more organized and efficient city.
Describing the initiative as a milestone in Shimla’s transformation, the Chief Minister said overhead cables across the city are being shifted underground to improve its visual appeal and provide a better experience for both residents and tourists. He added that the project would strengthen the city’s infrastructure while supporting tourism by preserving Shimla’s heritage character and scenic beauty.
The Chief Minister further stated that the underground utility network would simplify the maintenance of essential services and help ensure uninterrupted electricity and telecommunications connectivity, particularly during heavy snowfall and adverse weather conditions. MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor of Municipal Corporation Shimla Surinder Chauhan, councillors, OSD to the Chief Minister Ritesh Kapret, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, SP Gaurav Singh and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Leave feedback about this