Munish Sood
Mandi
Senior Congress leader and Himachal Pradesh minister Vikramaditya Singh met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi to discuss key road and tunnel infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening connectivity in the hill state. The meeting was attended by Rajya Sabha MP and Himachal Congress in-charge Rajni Patil.
According to information shared by Vikramaditya Singh on social media, the discussion focused on improving all-weather connectivity, expanding the national highway network, and ensuring safer travel routes for the state’s mountainous and remote regions.
Strong Push for Bhubu Jot Tunnel Project
A major highlight of the meeting was the demand for early implementation of the Bhubu Jot Tunnel project, which has gained strategic importance after being recommended by the Ministry of Defence. The proposed tunnel, along with the Ghatasani–Shilha–Bhubu Jot–Kullu National Highway, is considered vital for both civilian and defence connectivity.
The tunnel is expected to connect Jogindernagar in Mandi district with Kullu via the Lug Valley, significantly improving regional access. Once completed, the project could reduce the distance between Kangra and Kullu as well as Pathankot and Manali by nearly 50–60 kilometres, cutting travel time by about two hours.
Currently, heavy snowfall during winters often leads to closure of the Bhubu Jot pass. The construction of an all-weather tunnel is expected to provide a reliable route for residents, tourists, traders, and emergency services, while also offering an alternative strategic corridor for the armed forces.
Focus on Highway Expansion and Connectivity
During the meeting, Vikramaditya Singh also highlighted the significant investments made by the Centre in Himachal’s highway infrastructure in recent years. In March 2024, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 15 national highway projects and one ropeway project worth nearly ₹4,000 crore in Hamirpur.
These projects are aimed at strengthening connectivity across several districts, including Hamirpur and Mandi. Major works include widening of NH-503 and NH-503A, construction of bridges and bypasses, slope protection measures, and ropeway development.
The projects are expected to reduce travel time between Hamirpur and Mandi while improving road access to areas such as Tauni Devi, Awah Devi, Sarkaghat and Dharampur. Officials believe these developments could also boost tourism, horticulture, trade and local industry in the region.
Need for Faster Implementation of Approved Projects
The meeting also emphasized the need for faster implementation of already approved infrastructure projects in the state. The Centre has approved a road development plan of ₹3,667 crore for Himachal Pradesh for the year 2024-25, and discussions focused on ensuring timely execution.
Other projects raised during the discussion included the Ghatasani–Shilha–Bhubu Jot–Kullu road corridor, future tunnel developments linked to the Manali–Leh corridor, and ongoing highway widening works in various districts.
Vikramaditya Singh urged the Union Minister to prioritise these projects, particularly those impacting remote villages, border areas and disaster-prone regions of the state.
Development Key to Economic Growth
He stressed that better roads, tunnels and bridges would play a crucial role in strengthening tourism, agriculture, horticulture and regional trade while creating employment opportunities for local youth.
Calling the Bhubu Jot Tunnel a transformative project, Singh expressed hope that all necessary technical approvals, budgetary allocations and administrative processes would be completed at the earliest so that construction work can begin soon.
He said stronger coordination between the Centre and the state government would be essential to ensure that modern, resilient and efficient road infrastructure reaches every part of Himachal Pradesh.
