Centre Clears Rs 3,667 Crore Plan To Upgrade Himachal’s Road Connectivity, Tunnel To Come Up Beneath Kullu's Jalori Jot Pass

The Union government has approved an annual plan worth Rs 3,667 crore for the construction and upgradation of roads, bridges, and related works across the state for the financial year 2024-25, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh announced on Monday (30 June).

The plan includes construction of bridges, road widening, installation of crash barriers and other works on national highways across various districts of the state, PTI reported.

Highlighting previous challenges, Singh said that while the state had submitted an annual plan of Rs 2,600 crore for the financial year 2023-24, it had received only Rs 269 crore, which was insufficient.

However, he confirmed that the fresh proposal of Rs 3,667 crore for 2024-25 has been approved by the Centre in June.

Among the key projects is a proposed 4.2 km tunnel beneath the Jalori Jot (Pass) in Kullu district, for which in-principle approval has been granted and funds to the tune of Rs 1,452 crore have been sanctioned.

The tunnel would provide all-year connectivity to Banjat and Anni areas. He said that the construction of this tunnel would not only boost tourism in the area but also benefit lakhs of residents in the region.

Addressing the issue of recurring landslides near Brauni Nala on National Highway-5, Singh shared that the Centre has approved Rs 135 crore for the construction of a bridge at this location.

Further allocations include Rs 1,385 crore for the four-laning of the Kala Amb to Paonta Sahib section along the Dehradun road, covering land acquisition and preparatory works.

Singh expressed gratitude to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, saying, he was hoping that strong coordination between the Centre and the State would continue in the future.

Singh also met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh regarding the proposed Bhubu Jot tunnel and road linking Mandi and Kullu.

He emphasised its strategic significance, stating it could reduce travel between Pathankot and Kullu by 40-50 km, benefiting tourism, locals, and the Indian Army.

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