Himachal gets two greenfield highways worth ₹2,700-cr

The Union Government has approved upgradation of two roads at a cost of ₹2,700 crore under the Green National Highway corridor projects, which will restrict carbon emissions and contain ecological disasters using Japanese technology. The roads are Hamirpur-Mandi via Sarkaghat-Kotli (105 km) and Paonta Sahib-Shillai-Gumma (109 km). The two stretches of about 214 kms will enhance the length of double-lane roads to 2,600 km, said Regional Officer of the Road Transport Ministry, Vipnesh Sharma, adding that the two single-lane stretch roads will be upgraded to make them double-lane under the World Bank-funded project and will reduce distance between Hamirpur-Mandi and Sirmaur-Shimla districts. The roads will be built with the latest technology and materials for a longer lifespan. The endeavor will be to restrict carbon emissions and contain ecological disasters by using the technology used in Japan to protect the hilly slopes to avert disasters. The ministry had issued strict guidelines to ensure use of local raw materials and precast bridges and culverts. The geometrics of the roads will also be improved, besides construction of by-passes, integrated bridges, and no expansion joints for smooth travel.