Invokes his father Virbhadra Singh in Facebook message
Munish Sood
MANDI:
In a major infrastructural push, Himachal Pradesh’s Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Thursday (November 6, 2025) announced that the Centre has sanctioned Rs 2,271 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Phase IV, aimed at improving road connectivity in rural and remote regions of the state.
Taking to Facebook to share the news, Vikramaditya Singh wrote that the new sanction will fund 294 road projects spanning 1,538 km across Himachal Pradesh. He said the initiative would be a major boon for the state’s tribal and hilly areas, ensuring better accessibility, connectivity and economic opportunities for local populations.
“Following in the footsteps of my father, the late Virbhadra Singh, I have always placed the interests of Himachal Pradesh above everything else,” Vikramaditya Singh stated. “This new sanction under PMGSY will ensure that even the most difficult and remote regions of our state are connected with quality roads and modern infrastructure.”
Focus on rural and tribal upliftment
The project aims to bridge connectivity gaps in rural areas, providing vital road links to villages and tribal belts that remain cut off during winters and monsoons. The new network of rural roads is expected to strengthen access to education, healthcare, agriculture, and markets, while also supporting tourism and small enterprises in hill districts.
Vikramaditya Singh highlighted that improved connectivity would directly benefit the lives of people in far-flung areas, especially in Chamba, Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti and Sirmaur, where travel difficulties have long hindered socio-economic progress.
Building on the PMGSY legacy
The announcement marks a continuation of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen rural infrastructure. Under the previous PMGSY phase, thousands of kilometres of rural roads were constructed, bringing a visible transformation in connectivity. With this latest sanction, the government plans to accelerate that pace further, ensuring all-weather access to habitations across the state.
Officials said the state’s Public Works Department will soon begin the process of preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and initiating work on priority stretches. Timely forest clearances, land acquisition, and quality monitoring will be key to ensuring smooth execution in the mountainous terrain.
Vikramaditya Singh also appealed for community cooperation to make the initiative successful, stating that local participation and panchayat-level coordination will help speed up work and maintain quality standards.
“Rising above party politics, we are committed to the holistic development of Himachal Pradesh. Our goal is to take the light of progress to every corner of the state,” he added.
