Shimla: Himachal cabinet minister Vikramaditya Singh has been posting slogans signalling a campaign, “हिमाचल के हित सर्वश्रेष्ठ, एक हिमाचल सर्वश्रेष्ठ हिमाचल,” through his social media posts. On Wednesday, he advanced this campaign with a strategic visit to Uttarakhand, where he met with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in Dehradun.
Singh’s statements emphasized that the primary agenda of the meeting was the urgent need to shift barriers near the Yamuna Bridge (Paonta Sahib) and implement a traffic diversion plan to facilitate essential repairs and rehabilitation. Singh highlighted the deteriorating condition of the Yamuna Bridge, a crucial link between Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, which is showing signs of fissures and heavy vibrations and requires immediate refurbishing.
Although the Ministry of Road, Transport, and Highways approved the bridge’s rehabilitation on December 22, 2020, and the State PWD awarded the contract on September 18, 2021, with a budget of Rs. 1.44 crore, the project has faced delays. These delays were attributed to the required two-month closure for bearing replacement. Singh stressed the importance of a comprehensive traffic diversion plan to minimize disruption during repairs and called for swift coordination between the two states.
In his statements, Singh mentioned that he urged Dhami to expedite the construction of the Naitwar (Uttarakhand) to Pujarli (Himachal Pradesh) road, essential for connecting remote areas during winter and monsoon seasons. This road is particularly critical for residents of Dodra Kawar, who often face isolation due to harsh weather conditions.
Following the meeting, Singh facilitated a telephonic conversation between Chief Minister Dhami and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, where they discussed the recent natural calamities and the unique challenges faced by hilly states.
This visit underscored Vikramaditya Singh’s dedication to strengthening his campaign. The campaign highlights Singh’s proactive approach to position him as a key advocate for the people of Himachal Pradesh in his political journey.
