Thakur Flags Slow Pace of Strategic Rail Projects in Himachal
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Shimla, March 20: Former Union Minister and Hamirpur MP Anurag Singh Thakur has expressed serious concern over delays in key railway and infrastructure projects in Himachal Pradesh, attributing them to lack of cooperation from the state government.
Citing a written reply by the Ministry of Railways in Parliament, Thakur said that delays in providing land, releasing the state’s financial share, and obtaining clearances have slowed down progress and affected project timelines.
He said that the Bhanupali–Bilaspur–Beri railway line, approved on a cost-sharing basis, has already seen an expenditure of ₹5,252 crore, while the state’s share of ₹1,843 crore remains pending. He added that out of the required 124.02 hectares of land, only 82 hectares have been made available so far, restricting construction work.
Thakur further informed that three sanctioned railway projects covering 214 km, with an approved cost of ₹17,622 crore, are under construction, out of which 64 km has been commissioned. So far, ₹8,280 crore has been spent on these projects.
Highlighting strategic importance, he referred to the proposed Bilaspur–Manali–Leh railway line, with an estimated cost of ₹1,31,000 crore, for which survey and DPR have been completed and which has been declared strategically important by the Ministry of Defence.
He said the Centre is committed to completing these projects and providing necessary funding, but timely cooperation from the state is essential. Delays in land acquisition, fund release, and approvals are leading to cost escalation and project slowdowns.
Thakur urged the state government to release its pending share, expedite land acquisition, and fast-track clearances. He also proposed setting up a joint monitoring cell comprising representatives of the Centre, state, and Railways to review progress every fortnight.
He reiterated his commitment to raising issues related to the development of Himachal Pradesh and called upon the state government to resolve pending matters at the earliest.
