Expanding road infrastructure govt’s top priority: Vikramaditya

Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh today said that the state government was commited to expanding road infrastructure. He added Rs 300 crore received from the Central Government would be spent on various road projects in Himachal. A project with a budget of Rs 20 crore in Karsog subdivision of Mandi district had been approved.

Vikramaditya highlighted the challenges posed by last year’s devastating rain, which cause damage to several crucial road bridges, including Koon Ka Tar, Pandoh, Aut and Gutkar. The restoration work had commenced on the Koon Ka Tar bridge in Mandi, with plans underway to repair other bridges.

Rs 20 crore road project approved for Karsog

To further enhance infrastructure and public services in Mandi, Vikramaditya directed the Deputy Commissioner and the Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Mandi, to draft a proposal, which could encompass various areas, including sanitation and waste management. The minister said that he would discuss this proposal with Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar to secure his approval.

He said that the government was taking difficult but necessary decisions to manage the situation effectively. He mentioned several measures aimed at boosting revenue such as amending the excise and mining policies and withdrawing subsidies from large industrial enterprises and five-star hotels operating in the state.

To engage directly with constituents, Vikramaditya held a camp and allowed residents of the Mandi parliamentary constituency to raise their concerns and demands related to various departments. He assured the public that he would relay these issues to the respective ministers to seek timely resolutions.

“With these initiatives, the state government aims to not only enhance road connectivity and public services but also strengthen revenue generation mechanisms to sustain development efforts in the state,” he added.