The Push to Restore Himachal’s Highways
In a detailed update on the restoration of Himachal Pradesh’s national highways, senior BJP leader and former minister Dr. Rajiv Sahjal highlighted the significant efforts and funding being directed to reconnect and secure the state’s vital road networks.
Dr. Sahjal emphasized that the BJP has consistently moved beyond political talk to actively champion the state’s infrastructure needs in Parliament. “We have raised this issue forcefully in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, backed by facts and concrete figures,” he stated. He expressed concern that the state’s interests are being overshadowed by what he called the Congress’s focus on “the politics of appeasing a political family.”
Citing official data from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Dr. Sahjal shared that over 50 kilometers of national highways were damaged during the severe 2025 monsoon, primarily due to landslides, flash floods, and cloudbursts.
Substantial Funds for Recovery and Resilience
The central government has committed major resources to this recovery, according to the figures he presented:
· More than ₹513 crore has been approved for the permanent restoration of damaged national highways across the state.
· Focused on improving crucial corridors, projects worth approximately ₹544 crore are approved or underway on the Kiratpur-Manali stretch alone, which is a lifeline for areas like Kullu-Manali and Lahaul-Spiti.
· For immediate safety and access, ₹3.5 crore has been allocated for debris removal on the busy Parwanoo–Solan–Shimla (NH-5) section, where traffic flow has now been restored.
Progress on Key Routes and Future-Proofing Roads
Dr. Sahjal reported that temporary repairs have been successfully completed on several major routes, including Shimla–Mataur, Pathankot–Mandi, Mandi–Manali, and Dharamshala–McLeodganj, with traffic currently moving smoothly. The deadline for all permanent restoration work is set for 2025–26.
Looking beyond just repair, he noted a special emphasis from the Centre on building disaster-resilient infrastructure for hilly states. Modern solutions like geosynthetic reinforcement, slope stabilization, rock-fall barriers, and early warning systems are being implemented, including on the Parwanoo-Solan section.
A Call for Focus on Development
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Sahjal reiterated that roads, connectivity, and public safety are paramount for the BJP. He contrasted this with his view of the Congress’s approach, alleging that despite clear data and solid central support, Congress leaders are “attempting to mislead the public.”
“On one hand,” he said, “there’s the BJP, championing Himachal’s interests in Parliament with work and statistics. On the other, there’s the Congress, which in our view, remains entangled in family-centered politics, risking the state’s future development.”
