Railways shelving key Himachal projects as state govt didn’t release its share of funds: Ex-CM Jai Ram
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MANDI: Former Chief Minister and Leader of the Opposition Jai Ram Thakur has alleged that two significant railway projects in the state were on the brink of suspension due to the state government’s inability to release its financial contribution.
Addressing a press conference in Mandi on Wednesday (October 16, 2024), the former CM criticised the state government for stalling development by failing to release a sum of Rs 1,626 crore owed to the Railway Board for the completion of two key railway lines in the state.
Railway projects at risk
Jai Ram highlighted the ongoing construction of the Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri railway line, which is being developed under a 75-25 financial arrangement, with the central government covering 75 per cent of the costs and the state government responsible for the remaining 25 per cent. He revealed that the state has not contributed its share of Rs 1,441 crore, which is causing delays in the project.
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Similarly, the Chandigarh-Baddi railway line, another vital infrastructure project, is being funded on a 50-50 basis. Here too, the state government has yet to release Rs 185 crore, further exacerbating the financial bottleneck.
Railway Board seeks funds, state silent
Jai Ram said the Railway Board’s chairman has written directly to the Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh, demanding the pending amount. If these funds are not provided soon, the railway construction work in the state will come to a halt, he warned.
“The Modi government at the Centre has been consistently providing financial support for the state’s development. However, the Himachal government’s failure to contribute its share is hindering progress,” Jai Ram said.
Contradictory statements on financial crisis
The former CM also criticised Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for his conflicting statements on the state’s financial situation. According to Jai Ram, CM Sukhu frequently claims that Himachal Pradesh is in the midst of a financial crisis, but often reverses his position, asserting that there is no crisis.
“If there is no financial crisis, why does the state government have to keep announcing new dates for salary and pension payments?” Jai Ram questioned. He noted that the state recently received financial assistance from the Centre, which has allowed the CM to announce advance salary payments.
BJP leaders back Jai Ram’s claims
Several prominent BJP leaders were present at the press conference, including Mandi Sadar MLA Anil Sharma, BJP district president Nihal Chand Sharma, state general secretary Bihari Lal Sharma and other senior party members. They expressed solidarity with Jai Ram and echoed concerns about the government’s handling of state finances and development projects.
