Shimla, October 9 (Daily Kiran) : Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda conducted a review of significant infrastructure and development projects in Himachal Pradesh on Friday. The meeting highlighted major initiatives, including the ₹55,103 crore national highway projects and the ₹15,624 crore Kishau multipurpose project. The Kishau project has gained momentum following its recent designation as a national project.
During the meeting, discussions centered on national highways, rural roads, railway connectivity, health infrastructure, hydropower initiatives, water resources, and industrial development plans. Nadda stressed the importance of expediting project implementation, resolving pending issues, and ensuring that approved funds benefit the public effectively.
Nadda affirmed the central government’s commitment, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, to enhance connectivity, expand modern health services, and create economic opportunities in Himachal Pradesh through continuous investment and support. He urged the state government to utilize approved funds effectively, make timely administrative decisions, and maintain regular oversight to avoid unnecessary delays in public welfare projects.
Emphasizing the significance of infrastructure in the hilly state, Nadda noted that road and rail connectivity are crucial not only for transportation but also for facilitating patient access to hospitals, providing markets for farmers and horticulturists, boosting tourism and employment, and aiding relief efforts during natural disasters.
He reiterated that safety, construction quality, and adherence to timelines should be the top priorities for these projects. The Kishau multipurpose project was a focal point of discussion, especially after its designation as a national project in September, which has accelerated its implementation.
An agreement made on September 15 among Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Delhi has cleared the way for the long-delayed project. It will be built on the Tons River at the border of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, promoting water storage, irrigation, and hydropower generation.
Under the national project framework, the central government will cover nearly 90% of the costs, while the remaining expenses will be shared among the partner states. Once completed, the project is expected to provide irrigation facilities to approximately 97,000 hectares and generate around 1,476 million units of clean hydropower.
The review also included discussions on other key water resource and energy projects, such as the ₹7,000 crore Renukaji Dam project and the ₹1,800 crore Luhri Phase-1 hydropower project.
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