Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand to work together to improve infra, connectivity: Minister

Tribune News Service

Shimla, August 7

Himachal and Uttarakhand will jointly work towards improving infrastructure and connectivity between them, said Public Work Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh today. He called on Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in Dehradun and discussed various issues and strategies to resolve the pressing issue of shifting the barrier near the Yamuna bridge in Paonta Sahib to Dehradun and the formulation of a traffic diversion plan necessary for its repair and rehabilitation.

Dhami also spoke with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on the phone and discussed the recent calamities and unique challenges that Himachal and Uttarakhand face. They agreed to collectively present these issues before the Union Government, highlighting the need for special attention to disaster-prone and weather-affected regions.

Vikramaditya told Dhami that the Yamuna bridge, which provides vital connectivity between Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, required immediate repairs, as signs of fissures were visible on it and heavy vibrations could be felt during vehicular movement. “Based on investigation and recommendations, the Union Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways had approved the bridge’s rehabilitation on December 22, 2020. The Himachal PWD had awarded the rehabilitation work on September 18, 2021, with a budget allocation of Rs 1.44 crore,” he added.

He said that the work had been delayed as the bridge was required to be closed for at least two months for the replacement of bearings. “To facilitate the repair work, a comprehensive traffic diversion plan is required to ensure smooth movement of passengers and goods during this period. This plan requires immediate coordination between the two states so that the traffic diversion strategy can be finalised at the earliest,” he added.

He also urged Dhami to expedite the construction of the road between Naitwar (Uttarakhand) and Pujarli (Himachal), which was crucial for connecting remote areas during winter and monsoon seasons. “Dodra Kawar residents in the Rohru area of Shimla district face isolation and lack of connectivity due to harsh winters and adverse weather conditions. As such, there is need to expedite the pending construction of this route to provide uninterrupted road connectivity during winter,” the minister said.