Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh met with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in Dehradun to address infrastructure and connectivity improvements between Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The minister highlighted the need for urgent refurbishment of the Yamuna Bridge (Paonta Sahib), which is a crucial link between the two states. Singh reported that the bridge is showing signs of fissures and heavy vibrations during vehicle movements, necessitating immediate repair work. The Ministry of Road, Transport, and Highways had approved the bridge?s rehabilitation on December 22, 2020, and the State PWD awarded the project on September 18, 2021, with a budget of Rs 14.4 million. However, the repair work has been delayed due to the requirement for a two-month closure for bearing replacement. Singh emphasised the need for a detailed traffic diversion plan to ensure smooth passenger and goods movement during the repair period. He called for swift coordination between the two states to finalise this plan. Additionally, Singh urged CM Dhami to accelerate the construction of the Naitwar (Uttarakhand) to Pujarli (Himachal Pradesh) road. This route is vital for maintaining connectivity to remote areas during winter and monsoon seasons, which currently suffer from isolation due to harsh weather. The minister also discussed the progress of ongoing National Highway projects and their strategic importance in enhancing connectivity between Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Later, Singh facilitated a telephone discussion between CM Dhami and Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh. They reviewed recent calamities and the unique challenges faced by the hilly states and agreed to collectively present these issues to the Union Government, emphasising the need for special attention to disaster-prone and weather-affected regions. (ANI & ET)
