Infrastructure – Himachal Pradesh Secures Rs 239 Crore Boost for Key Road Development Projects
Infrastructure – The Himachal Pradesh government has received administrative approval of Rs 239.45 crore under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for the financial year 2026-27. The sanction, granted by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), will support the upgradation of two important road projects aimed at strengthening transport links and improving access across key regions of the state.
State Government Welcomes Central Approval
Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh described the approval as a significant achievement resulting from continuous coordination between the Himachal Pradesh government and the Public Works Department. He said the proposals had been actively pursued with the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways under the guidance of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
According to the minister, the approval reflects the outcome of sustained efforts made over an extended period to secure funding for road infrastructure that is expected to benefit residents and local industries. He added that the state government had consistently presented the projects before the Centre, leading to the latest financial sanction.
Two Major Road Projects Receive Funding
The approved package includes Rs 203.52 crore for the widening and improvement of the Chhaila-Neripul-Yashwant Nagar-Kumarhatti Road. In addition, Rs 35.93 crore has been sanctioned for upgrading the remaining 16-kilometre section of the Tikkar-Jarol-Khamadi Road.
Officials believe both projects will significantly improve road conditions, reduce travel time and strengthen connectivity between remote areas and major routes. Once completed, the upgraded roads are expected to improve transportation for residents, businesses and agricultural communities.
Complete Road Corridor to Benefit Rural Communities
The minister highlighted that approval for the remaining 16-kilometre portion of the Tikkar-Jarol-Khamadi Road holds particular importance because it completes the entire corridor, which was partially excluded from an earlier project package.
He said the completed route will provide uninterrupted connectivity for several villages and offer considerable relief to farmers and horticulturists, particularly those living in the Rampur Assembly constituency. Better road access is expected to simplify the movement of agricultural produce and improve daily travel for local residents.
Improved Transport Expected to Strengthen Apple Economy
The Chhaila-Neripul-Yashwant Nagar-Kumarhatti Road serves as a crucial transport route for the apple-producing regions of Theog, Kotkhai, Jubbal, Rohru and Chopal. The government believes the upgraded road will make the transportation of apples and other horticultural produce faster, safer and more efficient.
Improved road conditions are also expected to reduce transportation expenses, increase access to larger markets and minimise delays that often affect perishable produce. Officials say these improvements could help reduce post-harvest losses while supporting the long-term growth of Himachal Pradesh’s horticulture sector and the rural economy.
Government Plans Early Execution of Projects
Vikramaditya Singh said the state government will complete all required administrative and procedural formalities without delay so that construction work can begin as soon as possible. He stressed that the objective is to ensure timely completion of both projects in accordance with the approved schedule.
The minister also reaffirmed the state’s commitment to maintaining constructive cooperation with the Government of India in securing development projects that benefit the people of Himachal Pradesh. He said the government would continue to prioritise infrastructure development and public welfare while working beyond political differences to bring more investment and growth opportunities to the state.