Shimla and Hamirpur Set for Modern Urban Makeover: CM Sukhu Pushes Key Development Projects
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday laid strong emphasis on fast-tracking major urban development initiatives, stating that the state government is working to create world-class commercial and economic hubs under the Sabzi Mandi Central Business District (CBD) Project in Shimla and the proposed City Centre Project in Hamirpur. He was reviewing the progress of these projects during a meeting of the Urban Development Department.
The Chief Minister said these ambitious projects aim to ease congestion in city centres, strengthen institutional infrastructure and generate sustainable revenue through modern commercial complexes, smart parking solutions and well-planned green and blue public spaces. He directed the department to expedite execution so that the benefits reach citizens at the earliest.
Providing details of the Sabzi Mandi CBD Project, CM Sukhu said an amount of ₹330 crore will be spent on the project, which will be developed in two phases. The first phase alone will cost ₹210 crore, of which ₹160 crore has already been released to the Municipal Corporation Shimla and the Public Works Department (PWD).
To ensure timely execution, the Chief Minister directed the Municipal Corporation to vacate key structures within fixed deadlines—53 residences, six sheds and the SJPNL office by 11 May, the Councillor’s office and Food Security Office by 15 May, and five shops by 21 May, 2026. Following this, the PWD has been instructed to complete demolition and clear the site by 11 July, 2026, while the tendering process must be finalized by August 2026.
Reviewing the progress of the ₹140 crore City Centre Project in Hamirpur, CM Sukhu said the project will come up after the old bus stand is dismantled, as the new bus stand is nearing completion. He informed that ₹80 crore has already been sanctioned, while the remaining amount will be mobilized through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project has already been prepared.
The Chief Minister further directed the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) to issue notices to occupants for vacating the premises. He also instructed the PWD to complete the tendering process within one month after the site is cleared.
The meeting was attended by Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh, Principal Secretary Urban Development Devesh Kumar, HRTC Managing Director Dr Nipun Jindal, Director Urban Development Neeraj Kumar, along with other senior government officials.
With these flagship projects, the state government aims to redefine urban spaces in Himachal Pradesh, combining modern infrastructure with sustainable planning to meet the needs of growing cities.
