Himachal’s Villages Set for a Road Revival with ₹218 Crore NABARD Boost

In a major push toward rural development, Himachal Pradesh is gearing up for a transformative infrastructure upgrade. The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has greenlit the construction of 20 new roads and five bridges across the state — a move that promises to bring long-awaited connectivity to some of its most remote and underserved villages.

A ₹218 Crore Investment in Rural Lives

With a total estimated cost of ₹218.32 crore, these projects will be executed under NABARD’s Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF). The state government will contribute 10% of the cost, while NABARD will shoulder the remaining 90%, making this a powerful partnership for progress.

Connecting the Unconnected

Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD), N.P. Singh, shared that the approved projects span districts like Shimla, Rohru, Kullu, Una, Hamirpur, Mandi, Kangra, and Kinnaur. These roads aren’t just asphalt and gravel — they’re lifelines for communities that have long struggled with isolation.

From Lambidhar to Tikri in Theog, from Patgehad to Gajheya in Shimla, and from Rayat Netri to Tatwani in Shahpur, each stretch of road carries the promise of easier access to schools, hospitals, markets, and opportunities.

Bridges That Bind

Five new bridges have also been approved, including a 110-meter span over the Chandra River at Sissu (Udaipur) and a vital crossing over the Giri River at Sarahan. These structures will help knit together regions divided by rivers and ravines, making travel safer and faster.

Highlights of Key Projects:

• ₹15.23 crore for the 13 km Fagu–Dharech road (Shimla)
• ₹16.97 crore for the 12 km Batewadi Kainchi–Deothi Alidhar road (Theog-Balson)
• ₹14.13 crore for the bridge over the Giri River at Sarahan
• ₹12.6 crore for the PCS Box Bridge in Manali across the Beas River

What’s Next?

Online tenders for these projects will be floated soon, paving the way for construction to begin. For many villagers, this isn’t just about infrastructure — it’s about dignity, access, and a better future.

As the roads stretch out and bridges rise, Himachal’s rural heartland is preparing to step into a new era — one where distance no longer dictates destiny.