Centre Gives In-Principle Nod to ₹25.11 Crore for NH-305 Repairs in Himachal

State Seeks Faster Approval for Jalori Tunnel and NH-303 Funding

The Central government has granted in-principle approval for the release of ₹25.11 crore to improve a key road section in Himachal Pradesh, Public Works Department Minister Vikramaditya Singh said on Thursday.

The funding will be used for repair and tarring work on the Banjar-Aut stretch of National Highway 305.

₹25.11 Crore Approved for Banjar-Aut Stretch on NH-305 

Mr Singh announced the approval after meeting Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi. During the meeting, he discussed several road infrastructure proposals related to the state.

₹1,775 Crore Jalori Tunnel Proposal Taken Up

During the meeting, Mr Singh requested Mr Gadkari to speed up the approval process for the proposed Jalori tunnel project, which requires ₹1,775 crore.

Following the request, the Union minister directed the concerned officials to expedite the sanctioning process.

In-Principle Support for ₹395 Crore NH-303 Road Work

The PWD minister also sought ₹395 crore for the Nagrota Bagwan-Ranital road project on National Highway 303. 

Mr Gadkari agreed in principle to provide the requested funding for the project.

₹239.45 Crore Cleared for Two CRIF Road Upgradation Projects

Mr Singh thanked Mr Gadkari for approving ₹239.45 crore under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for 2026-27. 

The allocation will be used to upgrade the Tikar-Jarol-Gahan-Nankhadi-Khamadi road and the Chaila-Neripul-Yashwant Nagar-Kumarhatti road.

The minister said the two road projects would provide significant benefits to residents living in Himachal Pradesh's apple-producing regions.

State Requests More CRIF and Setu Bandhan Funding

Among the other proposals raised during the meeting was a request for ₹3.46 crore for bridge construction under the Setu Bandhan project. 

Mr Singh also sought approval for additional road projects under CRIF and Setu Bandhan and requested that the annual CRIF allocation for road projects be increased to ₹200 crore.

Centre Assures Assistance for Infrastructure Projects

According to Mr Singh, Mr Gadkari assured the state government of all possible support for its road and infrastructure development initiatives.