News Brief
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced the approval of highway projects worth Rs 1,935.7 crore in the hill states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand on Tuesday (27 February).
In a social media post, the minister stated that approval has been granted to upgrade the existing road from Kalar Bala village to Nauni Chowk on National Highway-205 in Himachal Pradesh's Solan and Bilaspur districts to a 4-lane road with painted shoulders, at a cost of INR 1244.43 crore.
This road project is expected to enhance connectivity to Shimla, Kangra, Dharamshala, and Mandi, as well as improve access to Darlaghat and AIIMS as per a report by The Economic Times.
Gadkari highlighted that this route will serve as a bypass for Kotdwar city, alleviating congestion and enhancing connectivity with Uttar Pradesh.
It is also expected to boost tourism and improve access to the pilgrimage sites of Kedarnath and Badrinath Dhams.