State to get 1,500 km of new roads: Vikramaditya

Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh, during his visit to Pahal Gram Panchayat under the Shimla (Rural) constituency, announced that the state is set to receive approval for the construction of 1,500 km of new roads, significantly boosting connectivity across Himachal Pradesh.

Speaking on the occasion, Singh said the Centre has extended substantial support, providing Rs 4,500 crore in financial assistance to the Public Works and Urban Development Departments over the past two and a half years. He added that development projects worth Rs 22 lakh have already been executed in Pahal Gram Panchayat during this period.

The minister announced several new initiatives for the area, including Rs 5 lakh from his MLALAD fund for developmental works, Rs 1.5 lakh for constructing a kitchen and repairing toilets in the local school and Rs 11,000 for schoolgirls who performed a cultural programme.

He also laid the foundation stones for key infrastructure projects, including the Nehwat Ghaini-Devidhar road and a bridge over the Nyaser Khad, to be built under NABARD funding worth Rs 13 crore. In addition, he laid the foundation for the Pahal-Baila Ghat-Kotla link road to be constructed at a cost of Rs 1.2 crore and inaugurated a new examination centre at Government High School, Bamot.

Further, Singh inaugurated a modern science laboratory at Government Senior Secondary School, Kaina, constructed by BSNL under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan at a cost of Rs 22 lakh. He said the facility would enhance learning opportunities for students and directed officials to prepare an estimate for setting up an examination centre in the same school for the next financial year.

The minister also announced Rs 3.5 lakh for constructing three additional classrooms at the local middle school and assured that the construction of a multipurpose hall on the school premises would be taken up on priority.