Shimla, October 26:
Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania met Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi on Monday and urged him to approve the construction of a tunnel between Chuwari and Chamba, along with the declaration of the strategic road from Shahpur/Draman to Pangi via Singhuta, Chuwari, Jot, Tissa and Sach as a National Highway.
During the meeting at Gadkari’s official residence, Pathania submitted a written representation highlighting the strategic importance of the road for national security, regional connectivity and tourism. He pointed out that the route is particularly important for the Indian Army’s divisional headquarters at Yol Cantonment, Dharamshala, as it could facilitate the movement of troops and military equipment towards border areas in the event of a security emergency involving Pakistan or China.
Pathania said that although the Chamba–Tissa–Bairagarh–Sach section was under consideration for construction under the General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF), the proposed arrangement would not fully serve the intended strategic purpose. He requested the Centre to revise the proposal and include the Draman–Singhuta–Chuwari–Chamba section via Jot for early approval.
He also informed Gadkari that the Shahpur/Draman–Singhuta–
Recalling his previous correspondence on the matter, Pathania said he had earlier been assured that the proposal would be considered in the public interest.
Gadkari informed Pathania that the policy for declaring new National Highways was in the final stages of deliberation. He assured him that the proposed road section would be considered for approval in the public interest once the new guidelines and criteria were finalised.
The Union Minister also acknowledged the strategic significance of the road for Chamba district and the country, adding that its approval would benefit the aspirational district, strengthen national security and promote tourism.
Pathania said the proposed development would improve connectivity between Gaggal Airport, Shahpur and Pangi, enabling soldiers, tourists and local residents to travel more conveniently and in less time.
