Bijli Mahadev Ropeway Work Halted Amid Protests

Ayushman Bharat Coverage Expands in Himachal

Dharamshala, Feb 12: Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari informed Parliament that construction of the ₹272-crore Bijli Mahadev ropeway project in Kullu has remained suspended since July 2025 due to local protests citing cultural and historical concerns, along with alleged misconduct towards project staff. The project had received forest clearance and was awarded under the Hybrid Annuity Model.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav said that under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, around 5.32 lakh families in Himachal Pradesh have been covered till March 31, 2026, with 13.68 lakh Ayushman cards issued. A total of 73 hospitals in Kangra and Chamba districts have been empanelled, offering eligible beneficiaries free treatment up to ₹5 lakh annually, including pre-existing diseases.