The Himachal Pradesh government has received administrative approval for Rs 239.45 crore from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for the fiscal year 2026-27. This significant funding is designated for the upgrade of two vital road stretches that are critical to the state’s apple-growing regions.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the approved funds will be utilized for enhancing the Chhaila-Neripul-Yashwant Nagar-Kumarhatti Road and the Tikkar-Jarol-Khamadi Road. These infrastructure projects are expected to bolster connectivity and support the region’s primary agricultural economy.
The Chhaila-Neripul-Yashwant Nagar-Kumarhatti road serves as a crucial artery for the apple-producing areas encompassing Theog, Kotkhai, Jubbal, Rohru, and Chopal. The proposed upgrades are anticipated to lead to substantially improved road connectivity, ensuring faster and safer transit for apples and other horticultural produce. This, in turn, is expected to reduce transportation costs and contribute to the strengthening of the rural economy within these areas.
Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh welcomed the sanction, attributing it to the sustained and collaborative efforts of the state government and his department. He stated that the proposals were actively pursued with MoRTH, and the persistent efforts have now borne fruit. The minister highlighted the importance of this approval, particularly for the completion of the entire Tikkar-Jarol-Khamadi road corridor.
The sanction of funds for the remaining 16-kilometre stretch of the Tikkar-Jarol-Khamadi road, which was not included in previous packages, is considered a significant development. This extension will provide seamless connectivity, offering substantial relief to farmers and horticulturists, especially those residing in the Rampur Assembly Constituency. The minister emphasized that these projects represent more than just investments in road infrastructure; they are integral to the livelihoods of the farming and horticultural communities.
The minister further elaborated that enhanced connectivity would translate into improved market access for produce, a reduction in post-harvest losses, and a contribution to the long-term growth trajectory of Himachal Pradesh’s vital horticulture sector. He assured that the state government would prioritize all procedural formalities to ensure the expeditious commencement and timely completion of the construction work.
This allocation underscores the government’s commitment to improving rural infrastructure and supporting key economic sectors. The upgrade of these roads is expected to have a ripple effect, enhancing the overall economic well-being of the farming communities and facilitating greater access to markets for their produce. The focus on the apple-growing regions highlights the importance of horticulture to the state’s economy and the need for robust logistical support.
The Central Road and Infrastructure Fund is a dedicated source of finance for road and bridge projects, managed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Funding from this scheme is typically allocated to projects that have a significant impact on national or regional connectivity and economic development. The approval process involves rigorous scrutiny of project proposals to ensure alignment with national infrastructure goals and efficient utilization of public funds.
The PWD department in Himachal Pradesh plays a crucial role in the state’s development, overseeing the construction and maintenance of a vast network of roads that are essential for connecting remote areas and facilitating economic activity. The timely completion of these upgrade projects will be a key factor in realizing the intended benefits for the agricultural sector and the local population.
The successful securing of funds through the CRIF mechanism demonstrates the effectiveness of inter-governmental coordination and the proactive approach taken by the state’s PWD department in advocating for critical infrastructure development projects. The initiatives are part of a broader strategy to modernize infrastructure and enhance the competitiveness of Himachal Pradesh’s agricultural products in domestic and international markets.
The development is expected to boost the morale of the farming community, who often face challenges related to transportation and market access. By improving the road network, the government aims to create a more favorable environment for agricultural trade and economic growth in the region.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
