Himachal PWD Minister Meets Defence Minister, Seeks National Highway Status for Strategic Ghatasni-Kullu Route

New Delhi, June 10, 2025 – Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi today, pressing for the declaration of the Ghatasni-Shilha-Badhani-Bhubujot-Kullu road as a National Highway, citing its strategic importance for defence operations.

Strategic Significance Emphasized

During the high-level meeting, Minister Singh highlighted the critical strategic value of the proposed route, which would significantly enhance connectivity to the Kullu district while serving defence movement requirements. The minister emphasized that the road holds immense importance from both strategic and tourism perspectives.

Substantial Distance Reduction

The proposed highway route, which includes plans for a tunnel at Bhubujot, would dramatically reduce travel distances in the region. According to the minister’s proposals made in previous meetings with Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, the route would cut the distance by approximately 40-55 kilometers on National Highway-144, making it a crucial alternative corridor.

Tourism and Economic Benefits

Beyond its strategic importance, the proposed national highway designation would provide significant benefits for tourism in the Kullu district. The improved connectivity is expected to facilitate easier access for tourists visiting the popular hill station, potentially boosting the local economy and tourism industry.

Ongoing Infrastructure Push

This request forms part of Minister Singh’s broader infrastructure development agenda for Himachal Pradesh. In recent months, he has been actively engaging with central government officials to secure approvals and funding for various road and bridge projects across the state.

The minister has previously secured substantial support from the Centre, including ₹350 crores under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for improving road connectivity and enhancing economic growth in the state.

Strategic Corridor Development

The Ghatasni-Shilha-Badhani-Bhubujot-Kullu route represents a critical component of the region’s strategic infrastructure network. The proposed tunnel at Bhubujot would serve as a key engineering feat, enabling year-round connectivity and reducing dependence on existing routes that may face seasonal disruptions.

Federal Coordination

The meeting between the state PWD minister and the Defence Minister underscores the importance of coordinated infrastructure development between state and central governments, particularly for projects with strategic implications. The defence ministry’s support would be crucial for expediting the national highway designation process.

Next Steps

With the formal request now submitted to the Defence Minister, the proposal will likely undergo evaluation by relevant central government departments, including the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Ministry of Defence, before a final decision is made on the national highway status.

The development of this strategic corridor aligns with the government’s broader vision of enhancing connectivity in border and strategic regions while simultaneously boosting economic activities and tourism in Himachal Pradesh.