MRD Clears ₹140.90 Cr PMGSY-III Bridge Projects for Himachal: PWD Minister

Shimla April 01
Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh today here informed that the Ministry of Rural Development has accorded clearance to the bridge projects proposed by Himachal Pradesh under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-III), Batch-I of 2024-25. The approval follows the recommendations of the Empowered Committee and the compliance report submitted by the State government.
The approved projects include the construction of 21 bridges with a total length of 970.772 meters, amounting to Rs. 140.90 crore. Of this, Rs. 126.81 crore will be provided by the Ministry of Rural Development, while the State government will contribute Rs. 14.09 crore. These projects are expected to significantly enhance rural connectivity, particularly in districts such as Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul & Spiti, and Mandi.
Under this several bridges across Himachal Pradesh have been approved for upgradation to improve road connectivity. In Hamirpur district, projects include the upgradation of bridges over Chainth Khad, Seer Khad, and Lindi Khad on the Bassi to Sarkaghat road. Additionally, bridges over Bakkar Khad, Jamli Khad, and Ghudwin Khad will also be upgraded. Other important bridges in the district, such as those over Lal Ghar Nallah, Manjhi Khad, Dehi Khad, Dhaliara Khad, Maned Khad, and Kahuli Khad, are also included in the project.
In Kangra district the upgradation includes a 40-meter PSC Box Girder bridge over Moul Khad, while Kullu district will see improvements to two steel truss bridges over Sanj Khad. In Lahaul-Spiti district, several bridges, including those over Chowkhang Nallah, the Chenab River, Kishori Nala, Tailing Nallah, and Mooring Nala, will be upgraded. Additionally, Mandi district will benefit from the upgradation of a 110-meter double-lane motorable bridge over the Beas River at Pandoh.
Vikramaditya Singh has expressed gratitude to Union Minister for Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, for approving these projects, which will enhance connectivity in the state. He said that the clearance comes with specific conditions to ensure the highest quality standards. The State government will verify hydraulic data, catchment area calculations, geo-technical investigations and structural designs before tendering. Additionally, a Bridge Management Cell with expert manpower will be established to oversee project execution. He said that the government will also deploy independent inspectors and ensure rigorous quality checks, including pile integrity tests and acceptance load tests as per IRC norms.
The PWD Minister said that these bridges would provide all-weather connectivity to remote areas, strengthening the road network and improving accessibility for rural communities. The State government is always committed to accelerate infrastructure development and ensure timely execution of these projects.
PMGSY 3 MISSING BRIDGE SANCTIONS