Infra push breathes new life into Dehra region
The ongoing infrastructure projects in the Dehra region of Kangra district are breathing a new life into dozens of rural communities.
After decades of neglect, especially since the massive displacement caused by the Pong Dam in the early 1970s, residents across the region are finally witnessing the long-awaited development works materialise on the ground.
Over 50,000 residents in more than 50 villages are getting critical road connectivity. Among the key projects is the widening of the 10-km Haripur-Ghera stretch on the Dehra-Jawali corridor, currently underway at a cost of Rs 9 crore.
Simultaneously, the long-overdue Guler-Nandpur-Barial road and the strategic Nand Nala bridge across the Pong backwaters are nearing completion, backed by Rs 8 crore and Rs 11 crore investments, respectively.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), an estimated Rs 50 crore is being deployed to upgrade vital routes, including Badal-Daunta, Do Sadaka–Adhe Di Hatti, Bankhandi-Madini and Bassi-Sunehat. A long-demanded road from Ranital to Haripur via Tripal and Mahewa, now in progress, promises to cut travel distances significantly and open new possibilities.
Beautification of major intersections in Dehra — seen as symbolic gateways to Kangra district — is redefining the town’s aesthetic and civic identity.
“All long-pending link roads, including Dehra-Bari, Nehanpukhar-Takoli and Kuru-Ghallour have been completed under the Mukhyamantri Sadak Yojana. Over 50 km of tarring and paving has been sanctioned for the area,” said Dr Suresh Walia, Executive Engineer, Dehra Division.
Tenders are in process for a Rs 98 crore Combined Office Complex and Rs 30 crore Circuit House. The construction has commenced on Rs 27 crore critical care unit (CCU) and Rs 20 crore Judicial Courts Complex.
Degree College at Dhaliara and the Community Health Centre in Haripur has been constructed recently. Also underway is Rs 7 crore Forest Rest House and a day-boarding school.
