The Union government has approved a substantial Rs 3,667 crore annual plan for road and infrastructure development in Himachal Pradesh for the financial year 2024-25. This significant investment aims to enhance connectivity, improve transportation, and boost the economy in the hilly state.

Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh announced that the plan includes the construction and upgrading of roads, bridges, and related infrastructure across various districts. A key project within this initiative is the construction of the Jalori Jot tunnel in the Kullu district, with a significant allocation of Rs 1452 crore. This tunnel seeks to provide year-round connectivity to the Banjat and Anni areas.

In addition to the Jalori Jot tunnel, the plan addresses critical infrastructure needs such as repairing landslide-prone regions and upgrading national highways with new bridges and safety features. Specifically, Rs 135 crore has been allocated for the construction of a bridge at Brauni Nala. Furthermore, Rs 1385 crore has been sanctioned for the four-laning of the Kala Amb Paonta Sahib road.

The approved plan aligns with discussions between Minister Vikramaditya Singh and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, focusing on enhancing the state's extensive road network. This network is crucial for tourism, facilitating local communities, and supporting defense logistics. Proposals like the strategically important Bhubu Jot tunnel project further underscore this focus.

This substantial investment follows ongoing efforts to improve Himachal Pradesh's road infrastructure. Union Minister of State for Textiles, Ajay Tamta, stated earlier this year that road construction projects worth Rs 73,000 crore are currently underway in the state. These projects include significant contributions from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which is executing projects worth Rs 43,000 crore, including the construction of 768 kilometers of roads and 68 tunnels.

Other major road projects underway include the Parwanoo-Dhalli Highway, Pinjore-Baddi-Nalagarh Highway, Kiratpur-Manali Highway and Pathankot-Mandi Highway. The Border Roads Organisation is also contributing by constructing 589 kilometers of roads in Himachal Pradesh.

The central government had previously sanctioned Rs. 267 crore for various projects in Himachal Pradesh, including national highways. This allocation was part of a total capital expenditure request of Rs. 1,400 crore submitted to the Union Government for the financial year 2025-26. Approved projects included the construction of bridges in Chamba and Una districts, landslide mitigation on the Nigulsari-Nathpa road and near Keru Bridge and land acquisition and road widening near Bhatti Nala Bridge.