Himachal's plea to World Bank over delayed road project

19 Feb 2013 CW Staff

For building the much delayed 80-km Theog-Hatkoti road in Shimla area, the Himachal Pradesh government has requested the World Bank to allow it to invite fresh global tenders. The State dumped Longijian Road and Construction company of China for slow work on the Rs 226-crore project. The road was to be completed in 2013. Only 20 per cent of the work is completed till now.

Also, instead of widening the road in stages, the Chinese company dug up the entire 80-km stretch, causing huge inconvenience to commuters. Top Public Works Department officials in Shimla say now the project cost has been raised to Rs 303 crore. And provisions have been made for dumping of debris and quarrying sites so that work is not delayed further.

Also, the road work will be carried in two stages now 鈥� a 46-km stretch from Theog to Kharapather and the second 34-km stretch from Kharapather to Hatkoti.

The State government is hoping the World Bank will give its approval and allow inviting of fresh tenders to finish the project. The Theog-Hatkoti road passes through the apple heartland of Himachal Pradesh with around two thirds of the crop being transported on this highway.

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