Himachal and Uttarakhand to Enhance Connectivity and Disaster Preparedness

Himachal Pradesh's PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh met Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to discuss infrastructure improvements, including the Yamuna Bridge repair. They also strategized on road connectivity and presented joint issues related to disaster-prone areas to the Union Government.

Himachal Pradesh's Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh met with Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami in Dehradun to address infrastructure and connectivity improvements on Wednesday. The ministers discussed the necessity of relocating barriers near the Yamuna Bridge towards Dehradun, devising a traffic diversion plan crucial for its repair and rehabilitation.

Minister Singh highlighted to CM Dhami that signs of fissures and vibrations during vehicle movement necessitate the immediate refurbishment of the Yamuna Bridge, essential for linking Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Following investigations and recommendations, the Ministry of Road, Transport, and Highways approved the bridge's rehabilitation on December 22, 2020. However, delays have occurred as the project, awarded on September 18, 2021, requires a two-month closure for essential bearing replacements.

Singh emphasized the need for a coordinated traffic diversion plan to facilitate uninterrupted passenger and goods movement during the repair period. He also urged CM Dhami to expedite the Naitwar to Pujarli road construction, vital for connectivity during adverse weather. Discussions also included the strategic enhancement of National Highways, with the ministers agreeing to present their collective challenges to the Union Government for special attention to disaster-prone regions.

(With inputs from agencies.)