Subhash Mahajan
Chamba
Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania today laid the foundation stones for two major projects under the Chamba Municipal Council: an additional office building and a guest house with residential complex, with an estimated cost of ₹2 crore.
Speaking at a public gathering in the Municipal Council premises, Pathania emphasized Chamba’s historical and cultural significance, noting its renowned art and folk traditions. He highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to boost development in the district, particularly in tourism sectors such as religious, adventure, and health tourism.
Pathania also announced that the long-awaited Chamba–Chuwari tunnel project, estimated at ₹2,600 crore, will commence by October 2026. The 14-km tunnel, to be built on a PPP model, is expected to reduce travel distances, improve connectivity, and aid environmental conservation.
He recalled the contributions of former Chief Ministers Dr. Y.S. Parmar and Virbhadra Singh in shaping Himachal Pradesh’s progress in roads, education, and healthcare. Pathania further praised the current government’s welfare initiatives, including the Mukhyamantri Sukh Ashray Yojana, which provides state guardianship for orphaned children.
Earlier, Municipal Council Executive Officer Rakhi Kaushal welcomed the Speaker and presented details of ongoing development works. The event also saw the participation of Press Club Chamba, which honored dignitaries and requested financial support for renovation of its newly allotted rooms. Pathania directed the Deputy Commissioner to provide funds as required.
Local MLA Neeraj Nair addressed the gathering, outlining government investments in Chamba, including:
- ₹175 crore for the first phase of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru Government Medical College building, and ₹194 crore for the second phase.
- ₹36 crore for the upcoming Mini Secretariat building.
- DPRs worth ₹50 crore submitted to ADB for approval.
- Progress on a multi-storey parking facility at the old bus stand and an indoor stadium near Police Ground.
- ₹7.5 crore sanctioned for reviving the city’s hydrant system and ₹5 crore for irrigation channels in Sahu.
The ceremony was attended by senior Congress leaders, district officials, and community representatives, including MLA Neeraj Nair and his wife Bharti Nair, DCC President Surjeet Bharmauri, DC Mukesh Repaswal, SP Vijay Saklani, and other departmental heads.
