PWD, power firm sign pact for widening of roads

The Public Works Department (PWD) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for around Rs 70 crore with Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (SJVNL) for the widening of various roads in the state.

PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh presided over the MoU signing ceremony here today. He said that the MoU had been signed for the widening of the Sunni-Luhri road, Gharat Nala-Khaira (MDR-22), Shimla-Mandi road and the Dhali-Devidhar (MDR-76) road. He added that the MoU was an appreciable step that would set a new milestone in improving the road infrastructure in both rural and urban areas.

Vikramaditya said that the ongoing efforts of the PWD would strengthen rural connectivity and improve road infrastructure. He added that during a recent visit to New Delhi, he had urged the Central Government to declare five important roads, including the Salapad-Tattapani-Sunni-Khaira-Luhri road, as national highways. It would not only benefit the Karsog area but also Anni, Kumarsain, Rampur and Kinnaur regions. “As the road was near the China border, it becomes important from strategic point of view as well,” he asserted.

SJVNL Chairman and MD Susheel Kumar gave detailed information to the minister about the ongoing projects in the Sunni and Luhri areas. Secretary, PWD, Abhishek Jain and other senior officers of the department and the SJVNL were present on the occasion.