Sukhu proposes BRO takeover of key roads in Himachal

Shimla: Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Saturday asked director general of Border Roads Organisation (BRO), Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, to consider taking over the maintenance of critical road stretches in the state.
As Lt Gen Srinivasan called on the chief minister to discuss key infrastructure initiatives under Project Deepak and the progress of strategically important roads, Sukhu asked him to take over the maintenance of critical road stretches, including the Leo Chango and Shiv Mandir to Gue roads, presently under the state public works department.
Sukhu also proposed the takeover of additional important roads by BRO, such as the Wangtu-Attargoo-Mudh-Bhawa Pass route, which will connect Kinnaur with Lahaul-Spiti district. The route recently received clearance from the National Board for Wildlife, for its construction. At an altitude of 4,865 metres, the road will become the second highest motorable road in the country after Khardung La.
It will reduce the distance between Shimla and Kaza by almost 100 km and offer a much-needed alternative to the existing arduous route via Nako, Sumdo, and Tabo. Shortening the current 410 km journey to approximately 310 km, the road will improve access, boost tourism, and strengthen defence logistics in the region.
The CM also asked the BRO to take over the Chamba-Bairagarh-Sach Pass-Killar road, which holds strategic and logistical significance. Connecting the remote Pangi Valley near the India-Pakistan border and the LAC, this route offers an alternate north-south corridor, especially when Manali-Leh or Rohtang routes are blocked. Currently maintained by the state public works department, the road via Sach Pass is open only 4-5 months a year. Sukhu also flagged the long-pending 13-km Tissa tunnel, which would reduce the Chamba–Killar distance by 88 km and enable all-weather connectivity.
Lt Gen Srinivasan also informed the CM that BRO, through Project Deepak, was responsible for the upgradation, improvement, and development of three major national highways (NH-03, NH-05, and NH-505) in the Manali and Sissu sectors of the state. These works were not only of strategic importance but also aimed at enhancing connectivity and improving the quality of life for residents in remote hill regions.
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