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Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, on Thursday presented an ambitious vision for the state's infrastructure, focusing on the landmark Shimla Ropeway project, ongoing railway developments, and enhancements to the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC).
Addressing a press conference in Shimla, Deputy CM Agnihotri said, "Shimla Ropeway would be the biggest project in India and the second biggest in the world after Bolivia." The project aims to decongest Shimla and improve urban transportation. It's expected to create direct employment for 250 people and indirect employment for more than 20,000 people. The Deputy CM emphasised the significance of the Shimla Ropeway, which is set to become India's longest at 14 kilometres. He also highlighted that this project aims to alleviate the severe traffic congestion faced by tourists, especially during peak seasons. "This is not just about taking credit; it's about the development of Himachal and placing Shimla on the international map," he said. The project, with a budget of Rs 1,734 crores, has progressed significantly with the completion of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) by a foreign consultant, funded by the state government. Deputy CM Agnihotri further stated that the project will feature 660 trolleys and 13 stations, facilitating the transport of approximately 6,000 passengers per hour. He urged residents to support the project, citing its potential to transform tourism in the region and improve environmental sustainability. Turning to railway projects, Agnihotri clarified that the state government is committed to enhancing connectivity. He outlined the details of two key railway lines: The Bhanupali-Bilaspur-Beri line and the Chandigarh-Baddi line. The former, originally budgeted at Rs 1,047 crores, has seen its costs balloon due to land acquisition issues, increasing the state's share from Rs 261 crores to a staggering Rs 2,583 crores. "We are serious about these railway projects," he asserted, emphasizing that both the state and central governments are collaborating closely. He reassured the public that significant funding has been allocated, countering claims that the state government is neglecting railway development. The Deputy CM also alleged opposition, without taking the names of the leaders, for taking credit for the Shimla ropeway project, DPR which was prepared by the present Congress government. Mukesh Agnihotri also demanded that the Union government to announce 100 per cent funding for the Bhanupali-Bilaspur-Beri railway line as a defence project which would lead to Leh as a strategic project. Meanwhile, talking about public transport, Agnihotri announced a major overhaul of the HRTC, including the procurement of 327 electric buses as part of a larger plan to modernize the fleet. He recognized the challenges faced by HRTC, particularly the financial losses incurred from subsidized rides for various demographics, including women and students. "HRTC is not just a transport service; it plays a vital role in the community, especially during emergencies and festivals," he said. Agnihotri stressed the importance of public perception regarding HRTC's operations and urged support for its initiatives, including the planned introduction of tracking facilities for better service management. Deputy CM Agnihotri's comprehensive presentation reflects the Himachal Pradesh government's commitment to enhancing infrastructure through innovative projects in ropeway transport, railway connectivity, and road transport services. These initiatives not only aim to improve the efficiency of transport in the region but also seek to boost tourism and economic development, ultimately elevating the state's profile on both National and International stages. (ANI)
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