Kufri-Chail Road Strengthening to Enhance Tourism in Himachal Pradesh with ₹ 52 Crores Approved
Shimla, February 20: The road connecting Kufri to Janedghat in Chail, a vital link for tourists and locals, will be strengthened and widened with the help of a ₹52 crore grant from the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) approved by the Central government, giving a significant impetus to tourism and local connectivity. This will surely be a boon to tourists and residents alike and may also provide a new way of visiting the scenic region.
Devesh Thakur, Assistant Engineer Public Works Department (PWD) Sub Division Junga, confirmed the approval and said the approval letter was issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Government of India. Work is likely to commence shortly in accordance with this approval to enhance the road infrastructure and to make it more accessible to two of the most cherished tourist sites in Himachal Pradesh namely Kufri and Chail.
An Upgraded Wait for the Road
The road, which runs from Kufri to Janedghat Chail, has been in shambles for years. Due to the large number of potholes on the road, locals and tourits have often complained that the journey to Mlambe has become decidedly unpleasant. The state of the road had worsened to the extent that it was affecting tourism to Kufri, Shilonbagh and Chail — places that are noted for their scenic beauty and are frequented by tourists from the country and outside.
Kufri, which lies about 16 km away from Shimla, is famous for its pleasant weather, adventure sports and panoramic views, and Chail, which features the Chail Palace and its quiet surroundings, has been a preferred weekend getaway for tourists as well as nature enthusiasts. Still, the appalling state of the road had long held back tourism, with travelers bracing for a bone-rattling journey to their destinations.
It is hoped that with the allocation of ₹52 crore for road enhancement, this scenic part of Himachal Pradesh will witness greater tourism, given that the roads will be much better now.
Widening and Paving for Smooth Travel
The 25 km stretch will be strengthened and widened, as it will not only prove beneficial in pothole mitigation but also provide a more durable and safe ride. The upgrades will make travel smoother, safer and more comfortable for the large number of tourists visiting in the area every year, while drastically cutting down travel time and making key tourist destinations, including Kufri, Chail and Shilonbagh, more easily accessible.
The improvement in the road infrastructure will also directly impact the economy as the region is a hub for lakhs of tourists each year, especially in the summer and winter months. Improved roads will also help increase foreign tourism, which is often dissuaded by poor road facilities. The upgrade to the road will also promote local economy by enabling the movement of goods and services to these major attractions.
The Collective Efforts Leading to the Endorsement: Involvement of MP Suresh Kashyap
The sanction of this much-needed road project comes after an untiring hard work by Member of Parliament (MP) Suresh Kashyap. Till, Kashyap brought the issue to Road Transport Ministry’s notice and also made sure that it got the due attention and funding.
Former President of the Shimla District BJP, Prem Thakur, and former President of the Kasupanti BJP Mandal, Jitendra Bhotka, along with other workers of the BJP party hailed the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Union Government, Nitin Gadkari for the successful approval of the project. They said the approval was made possible only due to the efforts of MP Suresh Kashyap for his personal intervention and consistent pursuit of this matter.
MP Suresh Kashyap talked about the approval and expressed that it is a matter of happiness that the project has been approved and will be helpful in bringing development to tourism when the road is improved and the journey will be smoother, making it much safer and more efficient for transportation as well. The local government had long advocated for the many needed improvements, he said, and it was only after more prodding that the project finally gained approval.
An Important Step in the Growth of Tourism
Development of Kufri-Chail road will revolutionise the tourism of the region. Shimla has been the most visited area when it comes to domestic and international tourists and better road connectivity will furthering cement its position in one of the tourist hot spots in India.
The new upgrades will also go a long way towards averting typical weather disruptions, especially in the monsoon and winter seasons when landslides and snow blockages can compound travel issues. A smoother road that can survive the elements will allow better access, more consistently, to the area both for locals as well as visitors.
As the region’s reputation as adventure sports, nature walks and historic landmarks will attract tourism initiatives such as eco-friendly resorts, restaurants and other such facilities, adheres to the state’s sustainable tourism vision.
Investment of ₹52 crore for the widening and strengthing of Kufri-Chail road is a big gift for tourism in Himachal Pradesh. The measure is another demonstration of the state’s commitment to upgrading infrastructure and making sure local residents and tourists enjoy safe and comfortable travel experiences. As plans to upgrade this road unfold, we can hope that a greater number of tourists will visit the region, contributing to the state’s economic growth, while protecting its cultural and natural diversity.
While locals and tourists are awaiting the construction work when the project is now in confidence approved, all are hopeful that the changes will result in a smoother journey to some of the most scenic destinations in Himachal Pradesh.
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