Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : Union Road Transport & Highways and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Minister Nitin Gadkari on June 24, 2021, laid foundation and inaugurated various National Highway Projects in Himachal Pradesh. The total outlay of the 222-kilometre long nine road corridors is Rs.6,155 crore.
Addressing the event, Gadkari said that these road projects will ensure prosperity of the people of Himachal Pradesh. He promised that road travel time from Delhi to Kullu will be reduced to just seven hours within two years or even before. Gadkari said that work related to construction of 11 more tunnels will soon be awarded in Himachal Pradesh. The Minister said that the Government has accorded top priority to Manali – Leh tunnel construction.
He said that road construction works with an outlay of around Rs15 lakh crore are planned this year across the country. Gadkari said that process related to land acquisition and environment clearance needs to speed up to complete the road construction on time. The Minister also announced to award works related to 491-kilometre long road construction in Himachal Pradesh with a total cost of Rs 15,000 crore in year 2021-22. Gadkari said that possibility of a network of ropeway and cable car in Himachal Pradesh may be explored.
On the occasion, Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Jairam Thakur said that good quality roads and connectivity is the top priority for the state government and thanked Gadkari for these road projects and expressed hope that these will further pave way for development of the state. Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways, General Dr VK Singh (Retd.) and Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur addressed the event virtually.