Nitin Gadkari has given the green light to infrastructure projects valued at Rs. 154.25 crore in the rain-battered region of Himachal Pradesh. As reported, the Union Road Transport and Highways Minister made this announcement on Friday. These projects fall under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CIRF) and are set to benefit the Una and Kangra areas.

With this approval, there are plans to construct two bridges—one spanning the Swan River with a budget of Rs. 50.60 crore and another over the Beas River near Pong Dam, costing Rs. 103.65 crore, as disclosed by Gadkari. He emphasized the urgency of these projects, taking into consideration the recent natural disasters that have impacted Himachal Pradesh. There were detailed discussions on this matter with the BJP national president JP Nadda and Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur.

In September, incessant rains wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradesh, leading to numerous landslides and cloudbursts in various locations. The monsoon's fury also inflicted substantial damage to roads and bridges across the state. Officials reported that the state incurred losses amounting to Rs. 12,000 crores due to these rain-induced calamities during this year's monsoon season.

After visiting the disaster-stricken region of Himachal Pradesh, Gadkari assured that the central government would provide all possible assistance to those affected, according to reports. Additionally, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will cover the expenses for repairing link roads up to one kilometer along the National Highways situated in apple-growing regions.

Gadkari expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, "There has been unprecedented damage to the roads, bridges, and private property due to flash floods, landslides, and cloudbursts triggered by heavy rains." He also disclosed that the Union Government would release Rs. 400 crore under CIRF to expedite repair and restoration efforts.

In a separate development, the Himachal Pradesh Assembly had previously passed a resolution urging the Union government to classify the destruction caused by the recent heavy rains in the state as a "national disaster."

Sikkim Flood Impacts: NHPC Halts All Power Stations in Sikkim, Shares Decline Over 1%

Indian Railways Cancels 18 Special Trains, Here's Why