Himachal notifies guidelines for jeepable and ambulance link roads

The state government has notified guidelines for design, construction and certification of jeepable and ambulance link roads in Himachal Pradesh. These are the first comprehensive guidelines of its kind in the country to provide a scientific and uniform system for planning, construction, certification and maintenance of jeepable and ambulance link roads.

It aims to improve safe road connectivity to remote villages. These roads are meant for the movement of jeeps, ambulances and other light vehicles, ensuring that people living in far-flung areas have better access to healthcare, education and other essential services. The guidelines include provisions relating to road width, pavement, drainage, retaining and breast walls, slope protection, road safety measures and proper maintenance so that these roads remain safe and durable.

Over the years, many jeepable roads were constructed in different parts of the state without uniform engineering standards. As a result, some roads lacked essential safety features and could not be brought under a proper system of certification and maintenance. The new guidelines provide a mechanism to inspect such existing roads, upgrade them wherever required and certify them after they meet the prescribed safety standards. Once certified, these roads can also be included under the State’s regular maintenance system.

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the state government was committed to making road travel safer and more reliable for every citizen, particularly those living in remote and hilly regions. He said that road safety was one of the government’s highest priorities and every effort was being made to ensure that infrastructure was developed according to scientific standards, reducing the risk of accidents and providing safe transportation facilities to the people.

The Chief Minister said that strengthening road connectivity was essential for balanced and inclusive development. Better roads improve access to healthcare, education, markets and emergency services while also promoting tourism and economic activities. He said that the new guidelines would help create a safer, more systematic and sustainable road network across the state and ensure that even the most remote habitations receive dependable last-mile connectivity.