Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Inaugurates Rs. 4,000 Crore Infrastructure Projects in Himachal Pradesh

Hamirpur: Strengthening the connectivity of Himachal Pradesh nestled in the Himalayas, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 15 National Highway projects and 1 Ropeway project, collectively valued at Rs. 4,000 crore. The significant event took place in Hamirpur, and it was attended by prominent leaders, including BJP National President Jagat Prakash Nadda, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shri Anurag Thakur, Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh, along with MLAs and officials.

Among the inaugurated projects is the construction of Theog bypass on Devrighat-Premghat, a 196 m long bridge on Kalruhi section, and a 225 m long Dhaliyara bridge on National Highway 503 in Kangra district. The projects that received foundation stones include the construction of a 4-lane missing link and cable-stay bridge on National Highway 503A till Birhu-Lathiani, a 2 km long bridge from Mohal in Kullu to the famous Bijli Mahadev Temple costing Rs. 272 crore, and several other crucial infrastructural initiatives.

The cable-stayed bridge on Govind Sagar Lake, upon completion, will significantly reduce the distance from Birhu to Lathiani and Hamirpur to Una by 21 km. The ropeway project to the pilgrimage site Bijli Mahadev is expected to drastically cut travel time from the current 2 hours 30 minutes to approximately 7 minutes, providing all-weather connectivity to around 36,000 pilgrims daily.

Additionally, the road construction projects aim to enhance connectivity to areas like Tauni Devi, Awahdevi, Sarkaghat, and Dharampur. The 4-lane connectivity to Darlaghat Cement Factory and AIIMS Bilaspur is anticipated to improve logistics and health services in the region. The projects also include slope protection works and tunnel construction, addressing the challenge of landslides and ensuring safe and efficient travel.