Shimla, January 1: The Himachal Pradesh government is gearing up for significant improvements in both road and urban infrastructure as part of its ongoing development initiatives. Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh has outlined an ambitious plan to upgrade 2000 kilometers of roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-3). The roads will be constructed using modern techniques, with 679 kilometers utilizing Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) technology, 468 kilometers with Cement Treated Base (CTB) technology, and the remaining roads built through traditional methods. Additionally, Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) will be developed under PMGSY-4 to upgrade 900 kilometers of roads previously constructed under PMGSY-1.
In the 2025-26 financial year, the government will initiate the tarring of 625 kilometers of new roads, with 425 kilometers covered under NABARD funding and 200 kilometers through the Special Core Development Program (SCDP), Rural Road, and Mukhya Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (MMGSY). A total of 500 new roads will be constructed, including 300 kilometers under NABARD and 200 kilometers under SCDP and other schemes. Additionally, 50 kilometers of roads will be upgraded through the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), while 1800 kilometers will undergo repairs under the annual maintenance plan. To address potholes, 10 lakh square meters of patchwork will be completed, ensuring 3500 kilometers of roads are pothole-free under the Mukhyamantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
The state also plans to construct 50 bridges and 35 new buildings during the 2025-26 period, further enhancing connectivity and infrastructure. Urban areas will benefit from new programs under the Urban Development Department, including a two-month Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign to promote community participation in solid waste management. Additionally, the government will launch eight online services through the unified UPYOG portal, covering various services such as trade licenses, garbage collection billing, and property tax management. Drone-based GIS property mapping and door-to-door surveys will be conducted to create accurate family registers for urban local bodies.
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To tackle urban challenges, the government will focus on developing parks and parking facilities, while addressing public grievances through Samadhan Shivir camps for faster redressal. The Mukhyamantri Shehri Ajeevika Yojana, a program modeled on MNREGA, will be introduced to support urban livelihoods. Additionally, the Shehri Samridhi Utsav, an NULM fair, will encourage community participation and welfare.
Water supply in urban areas will be prioritized under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), with an emphasis on metering, efficient distribution networks, and sustainable water sources. Twenty projects worth ₹84.28 crore are expected to be completed under AMRUT, enhancing the state’s urban infrastructure.
Minister Vikramaditya Singh emphasized that these initiatives are designed to improve both infrastructure and public services, ensuring inclusive development in both rural and urban regions. With these efforts, Himachal Pradesh is set to witness transformative changes in the coming years.