Himachal Government stands firm about Shimla - Mataur Four Laning

Shimla, Sept 23: Himachal Pradesh CM Jai Ram Thakur has announced that the state government will stay by its word and is communicating with the Union Minister of Roads and Transport Nitin Gadkari regarding the continuation of Shimla - Mataur four laning project, which has been considered inviable by the National Highway Authority of India ( NHAI ) recently and hence been stalled.

 

 

 

After a short drama being pulled up by the state opposition leaders regarding the halt in the four laning of Shimla - Mataur Highway, the Chief Minister has ensured that the project is on top priority of the state government. And even though the NHAI has put the work of this project on a halt, the state government is still in talks with NHAI and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in order to initiate the project once again.

 

The project was included by NHAI in 2016, however was counted as inviable quite recently and has been halted ever since. But the CM has confirmed that this is a temporary halt and the project is not completely put on a shut down. According to the official statement of the NHAI, since the project is short of funds due to the unexpected pandemic scenario and the funds available currently are not sufficient for the continuation of the project, the Shimla - Mataur Four Laning Project has been considered inviable for the time. About this, it was assured by the state government, since the highway project has been prioritized by them, there is no need for the people to panic about it.

 

The highway is important not only for the state but is also an important section of the national highway circuit as it connects 12 districts of Himachal Pradesh to the State capital Shimla. It is an important corridor to enhance tourism as well. Therefore, considering that the Centre would neglect the Shimla - Mataur four laning project would be a hasty conclusion. It is undeniable that currently the work is not in progress but it is also important to note that the work is put on a halt temporarily and as soon as sufficient funds are available to initiate the work, the project will start off again.