PWD Minister Vikramaditya inaugurates three link roads

Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh announced that efforts to declare the Salapad-Tatapani-Luhri road as a national highway. Speaking at the inauguration of three link roads in Bag Gram Panchayat, Shimla (Rural) constituency, he also flagged off a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) bus.

The inaugurated roads include the 10.5 km Bag-Kyalu road built at Rs 6.55 crore, the 1.5 km Barota link road constructed at Rs 65 lakh, and the 3.5 km Bathora-Panevat road costing Rs 86 lakh. Singh assured residents that HRTC buses would soon operate on these routes to enhance local connectivity.

Highlighting development initiatives, he stated that Rs 40 lakh had been allocated for various works in Bag Panchayat during the current government’s tenure. Additionally, Rs 4.30 crore is being invested in water supply projects in the Jalog area. The Pandoa-Kail-Bagdi lift water supply project, now 98% complete, will be inaugurated shortly to address water needs in the Saraj region.

Under the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, 800 km of rural roads will be paved. Four roads in Shimla (Rural), Theog, Rampur, and Karsog constituencies are set for upgrades. Furthermore, Rs 20 crore has been sanctioned for the widening and paving of the Tatapani-Khaira road, with work commencing next month under SJVNL’s supervision.

The minister announced plans for a women’s conference in Jalog this January, where women’s groups will be honored. He also pledged a community hall, filling vacant healthcare positions at the local PHC, and installing X-ray and ultrasound facilities.

He emphasised prioritising employment for local residents in the Luhri-Khaira-Sunny SJVNL project, with 70-80% of opportunities reserved for affected panchayat residents.