PWD minister Vikramaditya secures funds under PMGSY; over a dozen panchayats were cut off
Munish Sood
MANDI: In a major relief for thousands of villagers across more than a dozen panchayats in Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh has announced the construction of a new ₹24.63 crore bridge at Pandoh, restoring a vital link that was destroyed during the catastrophic 2023 monsoon floods.
The historic iron bridge, locally known as “Lal Pul”, served for over a century as a key connector for pedestrians and light vehicles between Pandoh and surrounding villages. Its collapse in the torrential rains had severed daily access to Mandi, forcing people from villages like Shivabadar, Bandal and Bakhli to travel long detours of up to 20 km for basic needs such as healthcare, education and markets.
Announcing the reconstruction during the district-level Sarahanahuli Fair at Parashar, Vikramaditya confirmed that the new bridge will be constructed at the same location under Phase IV of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). The tendering process would be completed soon and the new bridge would be constructed at a higher elevation to withstand future flooding events, he said.
“The loss of Lal Pul was not just an infrastructure issue, but it disrupted lives across the region. I’m happy to share that the Centre has now sanctioned ₹24.63 crore for a stronger, safer bridge at Pandoh,” said Vikramaditya Singh.
The project is part of a broader ₹62 crore development package announced for the Drang constituency. Other projects launched include:
• Inauguration of the Katoula-Bodandhar-Kundakh-Tihri-Kalang-Patons road (₹7.09 crore)
• Upgradation of the Neri-Bihandhar road (₹18.18 crore)
• Maintenance of the Mandi-Kamand-Katoula-Bajoura road (₹11.84 crore)
The minister also highlighted that the Kamand-Katoula-Bajoura road played a crucial role as an alternate route when the Mandi-Kullu four-lane highway was damaged in the 2023 floods. Now, ₹12 crore is being spent on its restoration and strengthening.
Under the PMGSY Phase IV, the state government plans to build 1,500 kn of new rural roads, with five key roads in Padhar division alone receiving ₹26 crore in funding.
Earlier in the day, the Minister visited the ancient Parashar Rishi temple, sought blessings and released a booklet on the sage. He also reviewed exhibitions by government departments and personally donated ₹51,000 to the Sarahanahuli Mela Organising Committee. Responding to local demands, he promised to pursue the construction of a community hall in Parashar, subject to land availability.
Local representatives and citizens, including former minister Kaul Singh Thakur, zila parishad member Rita Thakur and panchayat pradhan Vimla Devi, lauded the government’s commitment to the region’s development and credited Vikramaditya Singh for his proactive leadership in securing central funds for the new bridge.
