Union Minister J P Nadda today met Surface Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to discuss speeding up of repair and maintenance work of some crucial highways in his state Himachal Pradesh.
Noting that the section from Kirtpur to Nerchowk on the Chandigarh Mandi Manali road on NH-21 was in "dire" need of repairs, Nadda said this road which witnesses heavy traffic due to tourists is the main life line of Bilaspur, Mandi, Kullu and Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh.
"It connects these districts with adjoining state of Punjab, Haryana as well as Chandigarh and Delhi. The Minister informed that the heavy movement of commercial traffic has also led to its damage requiring urgent repair. At present, the road is in no condition of use for the local people," the Health Minister said as per an official statement.
Nadda also highlighted the fact that no major repair or rehabilitation of this portion has been done for the last 7-8 years resulting into the deterioration of this highway due to which a large number of accidents - many fatal - have taken place in the recent past.
During the meeting which lasted for almost an hour, Gadkari assured all help in hastening the repair and maintenance work on the identified highways.
Nadda also discussed strengthening of Nauni-Brahampukhar road, which is major link connecting NH-21 and NH-88 as well as the district headquarters of Bilaspur and Shimla.
"As many cement plants and hydro power projects are situated in the area, the resultant heavy volume of commercial traffic has led to deterioration of the crust and therefore immediate strengthening," he said.
The Health Minister also pointed out that the KandrourBamta road also needs strengthening and requested for its inclusion under Centre Road Fund (CRF) along with the Nauni Brahampukhar road.
The Transport Minister has agreed to expedite work on the Pathankot Mandi stretch. He also assured all help in ensuring that the work on the repair and maintenance is expedited.
According to the statement, Gadkari has also urged Nadda to chair a meeting of officials of the Ministry of Transport and Highways and the state government at Shimla to streamline coordination and resolve the inter-departmental issues.
