Transport Minister G.S. Bali called on Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari at New Delhi and urged him to include Himachal Pradesh in the purview of Nirbhay Scheme.
It’s learned that the Union Minister has accepted state’s demand and agreed for relaxing norms under the Scheme to include the State.
Bali also urged Union Minister to consider funding, snow cutters, cranes and trauma centres under road safety besides providing financial assistance for setting up inspection and certification centres, drivers’ training schools and fixing VTS on all public transport vehicles.
Transport Minister also sought generous funding for starting water transport facilities at Govind Sagar, Pong Dam, Chamera and Pandoh Lake. He requested Union Minister to direct Inland Water Authorities to expedite the process.
In a press statement, Transport Minister GS Bali revealed that Government of India has agreed in principle to provide financial assistance for setting up crash barriers and other facilities on the National Highways in the State.
Bali said that Union Government would also consider funding of ropeways from Kalka to Shimla and some locations in Kangra District to facilitate pollution free speedy movement between these places to boost tourism in Himachal Pradesh.
Transport Minister also raised issue of construction and upgradation of various roads and bridges with Union Minister and advised him to make crash barriers, road signages, bus lay by-lanes mandatory in all road projects.
Chief Parliamentary Secretary Rajesh Dharmani, MLA Ajay Mahajan, Commissioner, Transport Dr. R.N. Batta and other senior officers of the State Government were also present on the occasion.
