CM seeks special treatment for hilly states

New Delhi, Oct 7 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today sought special treatment for hilly and special category states of the country, saying this would help them in developing key infrastructure like railways, airports and highways in the respective states.

Speaking at a conference on ''Building Infrastructure: Opportunities and Challenges'' here today, he said private investment was essential for the speedy development of these key areas.

Mr Singh urged the Centre to provide funds for construction of Bhanupalli-Bilaspur-Beri railway line. He said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, during his visit to the state, had assured the Himachal Pradesh government of providing funds for this.

He also urged the Centre for construction of broad gauge railway line between Chandigarh and Baddi in view of industrialisation of the area.

Seeking a lower rate of interest on loans for hill states in developing railway infrastructure, he said this would help in expanding railway network in these states.

The Chief Minister also requested the Centre to upgrade Shimla, Kangra and Kullu airports to give a boost to tourism sector.

Lower rate of interest on loans provided to private sector in special category states would help in their speedy development, he said.

He said various projects in Tourism, Urban Development, Industries, hydro electricity generation and roads and bridges would be implemented through public-private partnership in future.

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