Shimla, April 1 – In a significant infrastructure boost, the Union Ministry of Rural Development has approved bridge construction projects worth over ₹140 crore for Himachal Pradesh under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-III), according to State Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh.
These bridges are expected to significantly improve rural connectivity in key districts, including Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Lahaul and Spiti.
Among the highlighted projects is the 110-metre double-lane motorable bridge over the Beas River at Pandoh in Mandi district, which has been approved for upgradation to further strengthen the road network.
To meet these standards, the state will:
The approval follows the recommendations of an empowered committee and the submission of a compliance report by the Himachal Pradesh government.
21 Bridges Approved in First Batch of FY 2024-25
The sanctioned projects, falling under Batch-I of the 2024-25 phase of PMGSY-III, include the construction and upgradation of 21 bridges spanning a total length of 970.772 metres. The projects carry an estimated outlay of ₹140.90 crore, with ₹126.81 crore funded by the central government and ₹14.09 crore contributed by the Himachal Pradesh government.These bridges are expected to significantly improve rural connectivity in key districts, including Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, and Lahaul and Spiti.
All-Weather Connectivity to Remote Areas
Minister Vikramaditya Singh emphasized that the bridges will ensure all-weather access in remote and mountainous regions, thereby enhancing mobility and economic opportunities for rural communities.Among the highlighted projects is the 110-metre double-lane motorable bridge over the Beas River at Pandoh in Mandi district, which has been approved for upgradation to further strengthen the road network.
Strict Quality Control Measures and Expert Oversight
Singh acknowledged the support of Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for clearing the proposals and noted that the approvals come with strict quality assurance conditions.To meet these standards, the state will:
- Verify hydraulic data, catchment area calculations, and structural designs
- Conduct geo-technical investigations
- Set up a bridge management cell with specialized personnel
The approval follows the recommendations of an empowered committee and the submission of a compliance report by the Himachal Pradesh government.
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