Sukhu Govt’s Apathy Stalling Himachal Rail Projects: Jairam Thakur

Shimla, August 12 – Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has accused the Sukhu government of negligence in supporting crucial railway projects in Himachal Pradesh, resulting in delays and rising costs. He alleged that the state government has failed to fulfill its share of responsibilities under the cost-sharing agreements, thereby hampering expansion of the state’s rail network.

Thakur highlighted that the Centre, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has allocated ₹2,716 crore for three major rail projects in 2025–26 — a budget over 25 times higher than during the UPA era. He praised ongoing surveys for converting the Jogindernagar–Pathankot line to broad gauge and thanked the Prime Minister and Railway Minister for their commitment.

Citing the Bhanuplli–Bilaspur–Beri line, he pointed out that while 123.16 hectares of land was to be acquired by the state, only 80.31 hectares has been acquired so far. The Centre has already spent ₹5,251.81 crore on the project, while the state’s outstanding share of ₹1,789.56 crore remains unpaid. A Railway Board letter seeking ₹1,626 crore from the state a year and a half ago was ignored, he added.

Thakur noted that other strategic rail lines, including Nangal Dam–Talwara and Chandigarh–Baddi, have also been well-funded by the Centre, but state inaction is slowing progress. He urged CM Sukhu to rise above political differences and cooperate fully so that Himachal can achieve better rail connectivity to boost its economy and industrialisation.