MP Dr. Rajiv Bhardwaj Calls for Expedited Work on Mandi–Pathankot and Shimla–Mataur Four-Lane Projects

Dharamshala (Arvind Sharma), November 1

Member of Parliament from Kangra constituency, Dr. Rajiv Bhardwaj, has directed officials to speed up the construction of the Mandi–Pathankot and Shimla–Mataur four-lane highway projects. He emphasized the need for better coordination between the Revenue Department and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to resolve land-related and other disputes promptly, ensuring that work progresses without disruption.

Dr. Bhardwaj said that the completion of these two major national highways would not only strengthen the state’s transportation network but also give a significant boost to tourism and industrial development in Himachal Pradesh. He underlined the importance of adopting a scientific and technical approach to prevent landslides and directed officials to prioritize permanent preventive measures such as retaining walls, improved drainage systems, and afforestation projects based on expert recommendations.

He further instructed that repairs to disrupted canals caused by construction work be completed without delay and that all concerned agencies maintain the construction timeline.

An important review meeting was held in Dharamshala under the chairmanship of Dr. Bhardwaj, which was attended by ADM Shilpi Bakta, Colonel Ajay Singh (Regional Officer, NHAI), Vikas Surjewala (Project Director, NH), and other senior officials from related departments. The meeting assessed the progress of major development works linked to the two highway projects and discussed key public concerns.

Dr. Bhardwaj also announced that regular review meetings would be conducted to ensure continuous monitoring and timely completion of all national highway projects in the region.
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