Himachal Public Works Minister, Vikramaditya Singh met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari at New Delhi on Thursday and apprised him about the devastation caused by incessant rains and cloudbursts to the national highways (NH) across the state.

The PWD Minister also discussed various road and bridge projects in a meeting presided over by the Union Minister with officers of the Ministry and the State government. He urged for the allocation of funds for estimates of damaged roads and bridges submitted to National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

Vikramaditya Singh requested for speedy restoration and repair of Manali-Mandi NH, Nalagarh Bridge besides other bridges and roads of State PWD which were joining the National Highways, particularly on Manali-Mandi-Swarghat NH as per estimates submitted by the State PWD besides bridges at Pandoh, Bhuntar, Kullu, Raison, Katrain and near Manali area. He said that Chakki Pathankot Bridge was due for immediate restoration and repair for smooth traffic.

PWD Minister informed that the Union Minister has assured to sanction Rs. 300 crore under Setu Bharatam Yojna for reconstructing damaged bridges of the State PWD connecting national highways in the State. Besides, he also directed to identify the black spots of land sliding areas of NH and make permanent solutions to the problem. He directed the authorities to take appropriate action so that funds can be provided for repairing and restoring the bridges of State PWD which were damaged due to recent heavy rains, connecting state PWD roads to NH as alternative roads.

Member of Parliament Pratibha Singh was also present in the meeting and apprised the Union Minister about the condition of roads in her constituency and urged for funds.