Building Bridges to Himachal’s Future: Roads, Tunnels, and Hope
Vikramaditya Singh, Himachal Pradesh’s PWD Minister, met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi to push for stronger central support for key road, bridge, and tunnel projects that could transform connectivity in the hill state.
Joined by Rajya Sabha MP Rajni Patil, Singh emphasized the daily struggles of Himachal’s people—farmers, horticulturists, tourists, and even defence forces—who face landslides, blocked passes, and fragile roads. He urged that projects like the Bhubu Jot tunnel be treated as a priority, not just for smoother travel but for opening up new tourism opportunities and livelihoods in the Lug Valley.
Singh explained that the tunnel would cut travel time between Pathankot, Jogindernagar, Mandi, and Kullu, while easing congestion on existing routes. Beyond tourism, it would also provide a reliable lifeline for defence logistics during harsh winters.
Other proposals included a double-lane bridge over the Beas River to connect Kangra and Hamirpur, and a steel truss bridge near Pandoh in Mandi to strengthen local connectivity and provide alternatives during highway blockades. Singh also highlighted the importance of slope protection, bypasses, and ropeway projects to ease pressure on narrow mountain roads.
Minister Gadkari assured that the concerns would be considered sympathetically, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to improving infrastructure in hill and border states. Singh later expressed confidence that with continued central support, Himachal’s remote and disaster-prone regions would gradually be linked by safer, all-weather roads—bringing not just connectivity, but new opportunities for growth and employment.
