Himachal to Accelerate Development Projects with New PWD Strategy: Vikramaditya Singh
Vikramaditya Singh talking to reporters
Shimla, May 19:
Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh announced that a comprehensive new strategy is being adopted to fast-track development projects under the Public Works and Urban Development Departments in Himachal Pradesh. He stated that a high-level review meeting was recently held with senior officials, engineers, and executive officers from the Urban Development Department, PWD, and NABARD to assess progress and streamline implementation.
Singh highlighted that Himachal Pradesh is leading the country in uploading Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) under Phase-IV of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). The state is aiming to construct 1,500 km of rural roads, a target that relies heavily on support from local communities and panchayats. However, in areas where timely land availability and local cooperation are lacking, the target may be scaled down to around 400–500 km.
Addressing key challenges such as delays in forest clearances and the non-registration of land in the name of relevant departments, the minister said a joint meeting is being planned under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister with the Departments of Panchayati Raj and Rural Development. This meeting will involve local representatives and district officials to expedite land identification and acquisition processes.
To ensure greater accountability in project execution, PWD divisions across the state have been categorized into four performance bands — Red, Yellow, Green, and Non-Performing. Singh said that strict action, including disciplinary charges and blacklisting, will be taken against underperforming officials and contractors.
He also shared that under the Urban Challenge Fund, the Urban Development Department has proposed projects worth ₹1,200 crore. Of this, 25% of the funding will come from central and state government sources, while the remaining amount will be mobilized through banks and capital markets. Key focus areas include sanitation, drainage, parking infrastructure, and overall urban development.
Vikramaditya Singh further announced his intention to meet Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to press for the Special Category State status for Himachal Pradesh. Emphasizing the urgency of completing development works before the onset of the monsoon, he called upon elected representatives, government officials, citizens, and contractors to actively support the government’s efforts — especially in the remote regions of Kullu, Sirmaur, Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur.
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