Himachal Pradesh News
Vikramaditya Singh Seeks Special Relaxation, Extra Funds for Dodra Kwar Roads; Pushes for Faster All-Weather Connectivity
In a strong push to improve road connectivity in one of Himachal Pradesh’s most remote regions, Himachal Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh met Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi, urging special relaxation and additional financial assistance for pending road projects in Dodra Kwar, Shimla district.
In a strong push to improve road connectivity in one of Himachal Pradesh’s most remote regions, Himachal Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh met Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in New Delhi, urging special relaxation and additional financial assistance for pending road projects in Dodra Kwar, Shimla district.
Calling the issue “urgent and humanitarian,” Singh emphasized the need to complete all-weather road connectivity in the rugged Dodra Kwar region at the earliest.
Why Dodra Kwar Roads Matter
Dodra Kwar is among the most geographically challenging areas in Himachal Pradesh. A portion of the road sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Phase-I remains incomplete due to:
- Extremely tough terrain
- Harsh weather conditions
- Short working season
- Difficult geographical access
Singh highlighted that these roads are not just infrastructure projects but lifelines for the local population. They are crucial for:
- Emergency health services
- Disaster management, especially in border areas
- Smooth supply of essential commodities
- Daily mobility of rural residents
He underlined that delays in such remote regions directly impact livelihoods and safety.
PMGSY-IV: Big Boost for Himachal Roads
During the meeting, Singh informed Chouhan that nearly 1,500 km of rural roads have been sanctioned for Himachal Pradesh under PMGSY-IV, with an estimated cost of around Rs 2,300 crore.
Additionally, the state government has proposed 1,200 km of additional roads under the second phase of PMGSY-IV. Detailed project reports (DPRs) are currently being prepared by the PWD, and approvals are expected soon.
This expansion could significantly improve rural connectivity across the state if cleared on time.
Centre Assures Priority Consideration
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed sensitivity toward the challenges faced by Himachal Pradesh. He assured that issues related to:
- Pending road packages in Dodra Kwar
- Residual works under PMGSY-I
- Required financial approvals
would be taken up on priority with the Union Ministry of Finance and other concerned authorities.
The assurance has raised hopes of faster clearances and funding support.
Appeal to Panchayats and Landowners
In a direct appeal to the people, Singh urged public representatives, panchayats, and landowners to extend full cooperation by providing gift deeds for land required for road construction. Timely land availability, he said, is essential to connect maximum uncovered habitations in the state.
He stressed that infrastructure development is a shared responsibility between the government and the public.
The Bigger Picture
For residents of Dodra Kwar, better roads mean more than convenience — they mean access to hospitals during emergencies, quicker disaster response, and economic opportunities.
With both state and central governments now actively engaged, expectations are high that long-pending connectivity issues in this remote Himalayan region may soon see tangible progress.
If approvals move swiftly, Dodra Kwar could finally witness year-round road access — a long-awaited change for its rural communities.
