HP govt has failed to pay state share in railway projects, claims BJP’s Bittu

Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu today said the Himachal Government had failed to provide its share in the construction of the railway projects proposed for the state.

Addressing a press conference here today, Bittu said the Himachal government is not releasing its share of Rs 660 crore, due to which many important railway projects for the state are stuck. The Centre has always extended full support but the state government should fulfil its financial obligations so that there is no hindrance in the execution of these railway projects, he said.

The Union Minister said the state government should make proper use of the assistance received from the Centre and complete the stalled projects. “The Modi government has laid a strong foundation for development for Himachal, but due to the negligence of the state government, many schemes are stalled,” he claimed.

Bittu said the Central government is investing Rs 2,716 crore to strengthen railway connectivity in Himachal as four major rail projects, costing a total of Rs 13,168 crore, will be executed. “Also, vista dome coaches will be provided to make the Kalka-Shimla World Heritage railway more attractive, which will boost tourism in Himachal. The Bilaspur-Leh rail line, Chandigarh-Manali-Leh rail project will also get momentum,” he stated.

He said in the last decade, the Modi government has given financial assistance of Rs 54,662 crore to Himachal, which will prove to be a milestone in the overall development of the state. “Himachal Pradesh has been given a special grant of Rs 11,806 crore in this Budget, which will bring about a comprehensive improvement in the state's infrastructure, transport, water supply, agriculture and health sector,” he said.

Bittu said the Union Budget has many welfare schemes for the poor, farmers, middle class, women and youth. “The central government under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi is committed to the development of Himachal and this Budget will help in taking the state to new heights,” he said.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu must come to Delhi along with Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur with all their demands, which will be addressed, he said.

He said the BJP has always raised the voice of the people and will continue to fight for the interests of the state. He appealed to the people of Himachal to seek answers from the anti-development Congress government and contribute to the progress of the state by supporting the BJP.with all their demands, which will be addressed, he said.

He said the BJP has always raised the voice of the people and will continue to fight for the interests of the state. He appealed to the people of Himachal to seek answers from the anti-development Congress government and contribute to the progress of the state by supporting the BJP.