Rs 267 Crore Road Projects Approved, Jalori Jot Tunnel Alignment Work Completed: Vikramaditya Singh

Shimla, April 03: Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh announced on Thursday that the Central Government has sanctioned Rs 267 crore for various road projects across Himachal Pradesh, including national highways. This funding is part of a larger request of Rs 1400 crore made by the state government for the financial year 2025-26. The Rs 267 crore has been released in the first phase, marking a significant step toward the development and strengthening of the state’s infrastructure.

Expressing gratitude to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari, Singh highlighted that he has raised the issue of expediting the approval of road projects and the allocation of funds multiple times with the Union Minister. “I thank Union Minister Nitin Gadkari for his support in releasing Rs 267 crore in the first phase, which will be crucial for the progress of our infrastructure projects,” Singh said.

Key Approved Projects

Among the approved projects, the construction of three bridges each in Chamba and Una districts stands out, aimed at enhancing connectivity and improving road safety. Additionally, significant funds have been earmarked for landslide mitigation efforts, which are a pressing concern in the hilly terrain of Himachal Pradesh.

• Rs 54.37 crore has been approved for landslide mitigation on the Nigulsari-Nathpa road.

• Rs 40.85 crore has been sanctioned for mitigating landslide risks near the Keru bridge on the Katori Bangra-Banikhet-Chamba-Bharmaur road.

• Rs 48 crore has been allocated for land acquisition and the conversion of roads to two-lane status near the Katori Bangra-Banikhet-Chamba-Bharmaur Bhatti Nala bridge.

• Rs 24.27 crore has been approved for preparing a detailed project report for works, including the construction of two bridges on Barna and Bore Wali Khad in Una district.

• Rs 36.93 crore has been set aside for the construction of a bridge over the Swan River.

In addition to these projects, the funds will also be used for maintenance and repair works on critical roads, including the Kalka-Shimla-Wangtu road, which passes through the Theog bypass. Other repairs include strengthening the Dhali-Theog-Narkanda-Rampur road, repairing sensitive spots on the Sainj-Luhri-Aut road, and the construction of culverts and various road surfacing projects.

Jalori Jot Tunnel Update

One of the most ambitious projects in the region, the Jalori Jot tunnel, has also made significant progress. Singh confirmed that the alignment work for the tunnel has been completed, and the detailed project report (DPR) for the tunnel, which is estimated to cost Rs 1452 crore, is currently being prepared. The tunnel, set to be 4.156 km long, will improve connectivity and provide safer and more reliable access through the mountainous regions of Himachal Pradesh.

Singh emphasized that the DPR for the Jalori Jot tunnel is expected to be completed by the end of this financial year, bringing the project closer to fruition. The tunnel is expected to significantly reduce travel time and enhance the state’s infrastructure network.

A Major Boost for Himachal’s Infrastructure

The approval of these road projects and the ongoing work on the Jalori Jot tunnel represent a major step forward in improving Himachal Pradesh’s road infrastructure. The focus on landslide mitigation, bridge construction, and road strengthening will address the state’s unique challenges and provide safer travel for residents and visitors alike.

With the support of the Central Government, the state aims to further enhance connectivity, bolster tourism, and improve the quality of life for its residents.