Roads, Markets, and Modern Cities: Himachal Pushes Development Forward
Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh has assured that the state government is working with renewed energy to strengthen Himachal Pradesh’s infrastructure—both in its bustling towns and remote villages. Speaking at a press conference, he emphasized that improving road connectivity in hilly and tribal regions remains a top priority, alongside modernizing urban facilities.
Singh shared that his recent meetings with Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Manohar Lal Khattar received positive responses, with proposals worth nearly ₹600 crore gaining traction. Of these, projects worth ₹366 crore have already been approved under the Special Assistance Scheme, marking a significant boost for urban development.
Among the major projects, Shimla’s vegetable market is set for a ₹140 crore transformation into a modern hub with a shopping complex, multiplex, food court, and multi-level parking. Hamirpur’s old bus stand will be redeveloped into a vibrant city centre with commercial spaces, a convention hall, and entertainment facilities, while Dharamshala will see improvements under a ₹20 crore neighborhood plan.
On the rural front, Singh announced that 1,500 km of new roads will be built under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana at a cost of ₹2,300 crore, with work beginning mid-April. He urged citizens to cooperate in providing land for these projects, stressing that funds are not the issue—land availability is.
The Minister assured strict quality checks, promising that contractors failing to meet standards will face blacklisting. He underlined that transparency, timeliness, and quality will guide every project, ensuring that development benefits both urban residents and those in the state’s farthest corners.
