Infra boost brings relief to Mandi locals

In a major push to enhance road infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh’s hilly terrain, the ongoing widening and tarring of the Haradgalu-Padhar road has brought a wave of joy to residents in Mandi district. As part of a broader road development initiative in the Padhar subdivision, this project is being carried out with a total expenditure exceeding Rs 58.48 crore.

Recognising roads as lifelines in mountainous regions, the state government has intensified work on road construction, especially in rural areas. The Haradgalu-Padhar road alone is being developed at a cost of approximately Rs 4.5 crore. Locals are now enjoying relief from dusty, pothole-ridden roads, with improved width and smoother surfaces ensuring safer travel.

This project is part of a larger scheme that includes central and state-sponsored initiatives. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), three key road projects—Haradgalu to Padhar, Katindi to Jhattingri, and Neri Dahuk to Bahidhar Ghraan—are underway with a total investment of Rs 5107.31 lakh.

Additionally, under the NABARD scheme, road construction from Thaltukhol to Madh is in progress at a cost of Rs 527.05 lakh. A vital bridge on the Kufri to Damela road is also being built, costing Rs 214.03 lakh.

Local residents have welcomed these improvements. Sunder Singh and Anurag from Jundar village recalled the earlier poor road conditions, marked by narrow paths and potholes that made travel risky. “With the new developments, travel is much safer and smoother. We’re grateful to the state government for resolving these issues,” they said.

Public Works Department (PWD) Executive Engineer Vinayak Kashyap confirmed the extensive development efforts. Beyond road and bridge work, public building projects are also in progress. An Ayurvedic Health Center in Darang is being built at a cost of Rs 49.24 lakh, while the Government Senior Secondary School building in Sahal is being constructed at Rs 174.63 lakh. Moreover, the Padhar ITI building is under development at a cost of Rs 1086.18 lakh, and a new police station building is being set up at Rs 217.53 lakh.

Himachal Tribune