Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Wednesday met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, at New Delhi and held deliberations on various issues of the State, especially about the ongoing four-lane projects being operated by National Highway Authorities of India (NHAI) and other National Highways of the state.
Sukhu urged Gadkari to speed up four-lane projects, especially Kiratpur-Manali, Parwanoo-Shimla, Chakki-Mataur-Shimla, Mandi-Pathankot, Nalagarh-Swarghat, Mubarakpur-Amb-Naduan, Paonta Sahib-Kala Amb highways so that it could be completed in stipulated time. Besides this, he also advocated for the construction of flyovers to ease traffic congestion besides reducing distance and saving time of commuters. Sukhu also urged for converting two lanes highways into four-lane and construction of tunnels on National Highways in the state. The plan for construction of ropeways in the state has also been discussed under Parvatmala Project.
The chief minister also advocated for releasing funds for the repair work of National Highways keeping in view the tourism season approaching soon. As bulk of tourists love to drive, the condition of roads needs to be improved, he urged. Various issues pertaining to other centrally funded schemes being executed in the state were discussed in length. He also emphasized on up-gradation of inter-state connectivity and the Union Minister agreed on it in principle.
Sukhu said that the Union Minister has assured of all the possible assistance and co-operation on the issues raised and thanked Gadkari for his generous approach towards the hilly state and invited him to visit the State.
PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh, CPS Sunder Singh Thakur and Sanjay Awasthi, Vice Chairman State Tourism Development Board R.S. Bali, MLA Kewal Singh Pathania also accompanied the Chief Minister.