Shortcut to Bharmour, Gateway to Tourism: Himachal Assembly demands Holi–Utrala Road upgrade
The call to upgrade the Holi–Utrala road echoed strongly in the Himachal Assembly’s winter session, as MLA Vipin Singh Parmar pressed the government to fast‑track its declaration as a National Highway. Parmar argued that the road could be a game‑changer for Kangra and Chamba, slashing travel time and unlocking new tourism opportunities.
Currently, reaching Bharmour from Kangra means a grueling 300–350 kilometre journey. With the Holi–Utrala stretch upgraded, that distance would shrink dramatically to just 73 kilometres. Parmar highlighted how this would ease life for locals and provide immense relief to thousands of pilgrims heading to Mani Mahesh, one of North India’s most revered spiritual sites.
Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh acknowledged the urgency, noting that 39 kilometres of the road fall in Chamba’s Bharmour region and 32 kilometres in Kangra’s Baijnath area—both strategically important. “This road is crucial for connecting remote regions with the mainstream and will open up new development possibilities,” he said.
The state has already submitted a proposal to the Centre for National Highway status, but approval is pending. Meanwhile, Singh shared that the government may declare it a major district road to kickstart construction sooner. He also pointed to the PM Gati Shakti Yojana as a possible accelerator for the project.
Parmar reiterated that the road could transform tourism, linking destinations and improving accessibility for residents and visitors alike. For the lakhs of devotees who undertake the Mani Mahesh Yatra each year, the Holi–Utrala road could become a lifeline of faith and convenience.
