The Rohtang Tunnel in Himachal Pradesh will be opened to the traffic in May next year, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told Himachal Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Friday in New Delhi.
Thakur called on Singh and urged him to get the work of the Rohtang Tunnel expedited to ensure proper connectivity to the landlocked Lahaul-Spiti district.
Singh assured the Chief Minister that best efforts will be made to make the tunnel operational by May 2020, a statement by the State Government said.
The Chief Minister also requested him to explore possibilities to allow usage of tunnel by residents of Lahaul-Spiti for transportation this winter as the road route has been officially declared closed due to heavy snow.
He also requested for improving the conditions of roads maintained by the Border Roads Organisation as they are not in good condition and sought release of funds for them.
The Union Minister assured to provide all possible assistance to state and complimented the Chief Minister for holding state's first Global Investors' Summit this month in Dharamshala.
CM DEMANDS EARLY CLEARANCE OF CHINTPURNI PRASAD PROJECT
Thakur also met Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Culture and Tourism Prahlad Singh Patel and requested the Minister to provide funds for virtual reality project for installing digital walls showcasing tourist destinations of Himachal Pradesh at suitable locations for attracting tourists. The Minister asked the State Government to send the project for immediate clearance. The Chief Minister also requested for speedy clearance of Rs 45 crore Chintpurni Prasad project and providing funds for strengthening infrastructure at Rewalsar under religious tourism circuit.
Thakur also demanded funds for erecting gateways at entry points to State and assured the Union Minister that the separate project under Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) for developing the temples and pilgrims near entry points with provision of exquisite and heritage gateways at entry point will be sent to the Ministry for consideration. Further, Chief Minister stressed on improved tourism infrastructure in the State.
Member of Parliament Ram Swaroop Sharma, Deputy Resident Commissioner Vivek Mahajan and officers from Tourism Ministry were also present in the meeting.