Improving Connectivity Between Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand
Meeting in Dehradun
On August 7, Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh met with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in Dehradun. They discussed ways to improve infrastructure and connectivity between Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Yamuna Bridge Repairs
Singh highlighted the urgent need to repair the Yamuna Bridge, which shows signs of damage. The Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways approved the bridge’s rehabilitation in December 2020, and the work was awarded in September 2021 with a budget of Rs 1.44 crore. However, the repairs have been delayed due to the need for a two-month closure to replace bearings. A traffic diversion plan is required to ensure smooth movement during the repair period.
Naitwar to Pujarli Road
Singh urged CM Dhami to expedite the construction of the Naitwar (Uttarakhand) to Pujarli (HP) road. This road is crucial for connecting remote areas during winter and monsoons, especially for residents of Dodra Kawar who face isolation during harsh weather conditions.
National Highways and Strategic Connectivity
The ministers also discussed the ongoing construction of National Highways that share boundaries between the two states. This is important for strategic connectivity and strengthening ties between Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Addressing Challenges of Hilly States
Later, Singh connected with Himachal CM Thakur Sukhvinder Singh to discuss recent calamities and challenges faced by hilly states. They agreed to present these issues to the Union Government, emphasizing the need for special attention to disaster-prone and weather-affected regions.
Doubts Revealed
PWD Minister -: PWD stands for Public Works Department. The PWD Minister is a government official responsible for building and maintaining public infrastructure like roads and bridges.
Vikramaditya Singh -: Vikramaditya Singh is a politician in India who is currently serving as the PWD Minister. He works on improving infrastructure in his state.
Uttarakhand CM -: CM stands for Chief Minister. The Chief Minister is the head of the government in an Indian state. Pushkar Singh Dhami is the current Chief Minister of Uttarakhand.
Himachal Pradesh -: Himachal Pradesh is a state in northern India known for its beautiful mountains and hilly terrain.
Yamuna Bridge -: The Yamuna Bridge is a bridge over the Yamuna River, which is one of the major rivers in India. The bridge needs urgent repairs to ensure safe travel.
Naitwar to Pujarli road -: This is a road project aimed at improving connectivity between the towns of Naitwar and Pujarli in the hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Himachal CM -: Himachal CM refers to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. Thakur Sukhvinder Singh is the current Chief Minister of this state.
Union Government -: The Union Government is the central government of India, which makes decisions for the entire country. It is also known as the Central Government.
