CM dedicates development projects worth Rs. 108.16 crore in Shimla

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of three development projects worth Rs. 108.16 crore in Shimla. He inaugurated the improvement and stabilisation works undertaken at the historic Ridge Maidan in Shimla at a cost of Rs. 66.81 crore to address the issue of subsidence and strengthen the area.

He also inaugurated a parking and shopping complex at Old Bus Stand near Shri Gurudwara Sahib Shimla, constructed at a cost of Rs. 6.85 crore. The facility will provide improved amenities to local residents, shopkeepers and people associated with the transport business, besides helping ease parking-related problems in the area.

The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone of a residential complex for employees of the Shimla Municipal Corporation at Pashu Padav near Baluganj. The complex will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 34.50 crore.

He said that Shimla has a distinct identity on the world tourism map and that enhancing its beauty while strengthening its infrastructure remains a priority of the state government. He said that the previous BJP government had laid foundation stones for various projects without making adequate budgetary provisions, whereas the present Congress government had made the necessary budgetary allocations to ensure their completion. He said that the Circular Road in Shimla is being widened to a double lane to address traffic congestion in the city and provide relief to both tourists and local residents from traffic jams.

Sh. Sukhu further said that the state government is constructing a modern shopping complex at Sabzi Mandi at a cost of Rs. 600 crore. In addition, underground utility ducts are being constructed from Chhota Shimla to the CTO at a cost of Rs. 150 crore. He said that the state government was taking systematic steps to develop Shimla while preserving and enhancing its natural beauty and ensuring better civic amenities for residents and visitors.

MLA Harish Janartha, Mayor Surinder Chauhan, Deputy Mayor Uma Kaushal, Councillors, Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap, SP Gaurav Singh, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Sachin Kanwal and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.