Upgradation of Guler-Nandpur-Ludret road underway

Dharamsala

In a long-anticipated move, the widening and upgradation work of the Guler-Nandpur-Barial road is finally underway, bringing renewed hope to over 30,000 residents across six panchayats located along the Pong Lake in Dehra constituency. The project aims to expand the current three-metre-wide road to a more robust 5.5 metre, promising better connectivity, reduced travel time and enhanced safety for commuters.

The road, which has remained potholed and neglected for decades, is now witnessing rapid construction activity. The transformation includes development of protection walls, side drains, cross drainage culverts and metaling-tarring and laying the foundation for an all-weather intermediate road.

Dr Suresh Walia, XEN, Public Works Department, Dehra, confirmed that the department had prioritised the project as desired by the MLA with a sanctioned amount of Rs 1028.74 lakh. He expressed gratitude to local residents, who voluntarily removed fences and other obstructions, to facilitate the widening process now underway.

“This cooperation from the public is crucial and highly appreciated,” he said.

Dehra MLA Kamlesh Thakur emphasised on the significance of the project for the region. “Residents of the villages along the Pong Lake have been battling poor connectivity for decades, especially after the submergence of critical infrastructure due to the Pong Dam construction way back in early seventies. The upgradation of the Guler-Nandpur-Ludret road and the construction of a new bridge at Nandnala will provide much-needed all-weather access to these habitations,” she said.

“A dedicated budget of over Rs 10 crore has been earmarked for the improvement of this road with an almost equal amount for the most crucial bridge on Nandnala,” she said, while adding that her primary focus remains on providing essential facilities like water, electricity and roads to facilitate people, especially the youth in her constituency to enable them better look after their houses and elders, while remaining gainfully employed in their respective villages.

With construction in full swing, the upgraded road is expected to bring transformative change to the region, connecting communities and revitalising the local economy.