Road infrastructure in Chamba to be strengthened, says Vikramaditya

Our Correspondent

Chamba, November 19

Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Wednesday said that accelerating development works in Chamba remained the foremost priority of the state government. He was addressing a press conference here. He also outlined the state government’s focus on strengthening road infrastructure and expediting development projects in the Aspirational District.

Recalling the extensive damage caused by the recent natural disaster in Chamba and Bharmour, the minister said he stayed in the affected region for two days to oversee relief operations. He noted that massive landslides on the Bharmour National Highway had left devotees, locals and tourists stranded in the Manimahesh region. Coordinated efforts were made to evacuate them safely.

Singh said the state government made continuous efforts to ensure timely restoration of all major roads—National Highways (NH), Major District Roads (MDR), and link roads across Chamba’s constituencies. He added that approvals for road repairs and construction have been taken up on priority with Central agencies.

Expressing satisfaction over recent achievements, the minister said the PWD Department has received nearly Rs 2,300 crore under Phase-IV of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) after persistent follow-ups with the Central government. A total of 553 roads were shortlisted and 65 roads measuring 326 km have been sanctioned for Chamba district alone.

He said the state is also pushing for relaxation in the population criteria—from 250 to 150—to include more road projects under the PMGSY. The minister further highlighted the heavy damage to the Shahpur–Chamba NH during the monsoon, where a major restoration project costing Rs 155 crore is being initiated. Additionally, Rs 96 crore was spent on emergency works and dumping issues that caused flooding would be addressed to avoid future problems.

Currently, road works worth Rs 188 crore are in progress in Chamba with the total ongoing projects amounting to about Rs 370 crore, he said. Responding to questions, the minister said as of now, the state has not received the Rs 1,500 crore central assistance announced by the Prime Minister during his visit after the disaster. He urged the Centre to release the funds at the earliest to support restoration and compensation efforts.

He also said a tunnel to link Pangi with the district headquarters is also on cards.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to the overall development of Himachal Pradesh, particularly tribal areas like Pangi, Bharmour, and other remote regions, ensuring enhanced infrastructure and year-round connectivity.

On Chamba town’s growing parking crisis, the minister assured that a comprehensive solution is being planned and would be completed within the current government’s tenure, possibly within two years.