Himachal has highest road density among hill states

Shimla, Oct 26 (UNI) Roads are perhaps the only means of communication in hilly states and Himachal Pradesh can boast of having the highest road density among all the hill states of India, which as per the latest study is 53 km per 100 sq km.

Although the geographical condition and topography of Himachal presents considerable challenges to the development of transport infrastructure, nevertheless, the state has made significant progress in road connectivity in the last few decades.

The State Government is providing high priority to the development and maintenance of roads in the State, as roads are a very vital infrastructure for rapid economic growth. The development of important sectors of economy such as agriculture, horticulture, industries, forestry depends upon a efficient road network.

In order to further strengthen road network in the State, Himachal Pradesh State Road Project has been implemented. This Rs 1365.435 crore State Road Project, envisages upgradation of 435 km long state highways and major district roads besides periodic maintenance of 2000 km of road length.

The roads to be upgraded under this Project are 44.82 km Mehatpur-Una- Amb road; 106.19 km. Una-Barsar-Jahu-Bhambla- Kalkhar road; 80.68 km Theog-Kotkhai-Hatkoti-Rohru road; 41.95 km Sarkaghat-Ghumarwin road; 39.17 km. Ranital-Kotla road; 71.74 kms.

Kumarhatti-Sarahan-Nahan road; 24 km Draman Sihunta roads and 26.80 km Bhawarana Lambagaon road.

The up-gradation work of Theog-Hatkoti road had beeen awarded to a Chinese company and this project would cost will cost Rs 228 crore and would be completed within the next three years. This road involves construction of 15 bridges, 280 culverts and 6.5 km high retaining walls, 5.5 km of covered footpath and 30 rain shelters.

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