Himachal government asked for report on road projects

Shimla, May 8 (IANS) Miffed over the condition of roads in the state, the Himachal Pradesh High Court Tuesday directed the state government to submit a progress report by May 31 on various ongoing road projects.

Hearing a petition regarding the slow progress of road and bridge projects, a division bench of Chief Justice Kurian Joseph and Justice D.C. Chaudhary directed the government to submit a progress report on the ongoing construction of various crucial roads, including Theog-Kotkhai-Hatkoti-Rohru road in Shimla district.

The petitioner, Devinder Chauhan, alleged that the construction of Theog-Kotkhai-Hatkoti-Rohru road, funded by the World Bank, was lagging.

The project is being undertaken by Chinese firm Longjian Road and Bridge Limited. The completion of the road is crucial for the smooth transportation of apples from fields to the market.

However, the company assured the high court that the 31 km stretch of the road would be completed by end of this month.

The court also sought a report on efforts made by the state for seeking central funds for improving road conditions.