Government to build Kunzum tunnel; Survey to be conducted first: CM

SHIMLA 14 October, 2026

· Rs. 500 crore to be spent on Spiti’s development in the coming years: Chief Minister

· Announcements include making Spiti a natural farming area, surveying a heliport site and exploring the possibility of opening a college

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has assured that a survey will be conducted and a Detailed Project Report (DPR) prepared for the construction of a tunnel beneath Kunzum Pass. He said the state government was making efforts to construct the tunnel, which would provide better road connectivity throughout the year to local residents and tourists.

The Chief Minister announced that Spiti valley would be declared a natural farming area and said that the possibility of opening a college in Kaza would be explored. In addition, gynaecologists and medicine specialists would be appointed in Kaza. He also assured that a survey would be conducted for the construction of a heliport in Kaza, which would boost tourism activities and benefit local residents.

Addressing a public meeting in Kaza during his two-day visit to Spiti valley, the Chief Minister said that the state government would spend Rs. 500 crore on Spiti’s development in the coming years. The Sumdo-Kaza transmission line is targeted for completion within three years, at an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 350 crore. He said the state government was working towards doubling the income of the people of Spiti.

Sh. Sukhu said that when he first visited the region on 15 April, 2023 to celebrate Himachal Day, local residents had raised the issue of electricity shortages. He said efforts to address the problem were now beginning to yield results on the ground.

He added that approximately 42 percent of Himachal Pradesh’s geographical area falls within cold desert regions. The state government was paying special attention to the development of the populations living in these areas and allocating additional funds for their welfare.

The Chief Minister said the state government was continuously working for the welfare of its employees. He said the government would consider releasing an instalment of Dearness Allowance on the occasion of Diwali.