Himachal Pradesh is witnessing a significant shift in its development journey, with road infrastructure playing a pivotal role in connecting its people and spurring economic growth. In a state characterized by its challenging hilly terrain, which often isolates its villages, the government has made road development a cornerstone of its agenda. Recognizing that better connectivity is essential for improving the lives of its citizens, the administration has placed immense emphasis on building and upgrading the road network.
The Public Works Department (PWD) has been leading these efforts, working tirelessly to extend the road network to even the most remote areas. As of now, the state’s road infrastructure stretches over an impressive 41,202 kilometers, with 34,917 kilometers of tarred roads making travel safer and more accessible. Additionally, the PWD has built 2,519 bridges and 36,762 kilometers of cross-drainage systems, a critical feature for maintaining road safety in areas prone to landslides and heavy rainfall. This vast network has successfully connected 15,578 out of 17,882 villages, linking them to essential services like markets, education, and healthcare facilities.
Several key projects are currently in progress, aimed at further strengthening the state’s connectivity. Among the most noteworthy are the construction of four-lane highways and 68 tunnels, with a substantial investment of Rs. 12,500 crore. These projects are expected to be transformative, reducing travel times and enhancing access to tourism and trade, two crucial sectors for the state’s economic development. The government has also shown its dedication by allocating Rs. 2,240.27 crore for infrastructure development this fiscal year, of which Rs. 526.42 crore has already been effectively utilized. The result is the construction of 18 bridges, 33 new buildings, 190 kilometers of motorable roads, and 309 kilometers of cross-drainage systems in the first half of the year. Furthermore, 674 kilometers of roads have been tarred, and 1,060 kilometers have been renewed in different regions.
One of the major accomplishments of the PWD has been the near-completion of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), with 99 percent of PMGSY-I and 100 percent of PMGSY-II already completed. This has brought thousands of villages closer to essential services, significantly improving access for rural communities and supporting their path toward growth and prosperity.
Looking ahead, the state has secured Rs. 293.36 crore from the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for the financial year 2024-25. These funds will support five major projects, including the upgradation of the 52-kilometer Tikkar-Jarol-Gahan-Nanakhari-Khamadi road in Shimla, the construction of a high-level bridge over Gaj Khad in Kangra, and further improvements in Hamirpur and Mandi districts. These initiatives will not only boost connectivity but also enhance road safety, demonstrating the government’s commitment to the progress of every region in the state.
To ensure that these projects are completed on time and to high standards, the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has introduced several reforms. The PWD has adopted the WAMIS software to modernize project management and streamline operations. The tender process has been shortened from 51 to 30 days, reducing delays and speeding up construction. Furthermore, departmental engineers now have more authority to approve higher-value tenders, allowing for quicker decision-making and the removal of bottlenecks that previously hindered progress.
Quality control is a priority, with contractors facing penalties for substandard work, while those who deliver high-quality projects on time are rewarded with additional contracts. This system ensures accountability and maintains the highest standards in road infrastructure development.
In conclusion, the strides made in road infrastructure are paving the way for a prosperous future in Himachal Pradesh. Improved roads bring more economic opportunities, better access to essential services, and an enhanced quality of life for its people. The government’s unwavering focus on infrastructure is not only improving connectivity but also positioning the state as a model of progress and growth.