Bring Pangi-Leh road under Central plan, Gadkari urged

Our Correspondent

Dalhousie, January 10

Deputy Speaker Hans Raj today met Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi and urged him to include the Pathankot-Chamba-Churah-Pangi-Leh road under Bharatmala Pariyojana.

The Deputy Speaker apprised the minister of the strategic importance of the road. He said the Army had to go via Pathankot-Mandi-Manali-Lahaul to reach Leh, covering about 900 km.

He told Gadkari that the distance would be reduced to around 400 km If Leh was connected through the Pathankot-Chamba-Churah-Pangi route. Moreover, Bharatmala Pariyojana would provide the national highway status to the mountainous terrains.

He also told Gadkari that Churah was inaccessible and even today the road infrastructure was lacking for the local. Realising the problems of Churah, the Union minister assured the Deputy Speaker to consider his request.

The road connectivity would not only ensure economic and social development of the area but also provide facilities for villagers. Nachan MLA Vinod Kumar was also present along with the Deputy Speaker.