PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh expresses gratitude
Punjab Newsline, Shimla-
Public Works Minister, Himachal Pradesh, Vikramaditya Singh today informed that the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, has released an incentive fund of Rs 46 crore in favour of the State of Himachal Pradesh for its outstanding performance, quality implementation and timely completion of road works under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). He stated that this incentive is a formal acknowledgement of the State’s efforts to strengthen rural road connectivity and a recognition of the sustained work carried out by the Public Works Department.
Expressing his gratitude to the Government of India, particularly the Ministry Vikramaditya Singh said that flagship programmes like PMGSY have played a pivotal role in transforming rural connectivity across the country, especially in hill and remote states. He added that Himachal Pradesh has approached PMGSY implementation with seriousness and commitment, ensuring that road construction, upgradation and maintenance are carried out in accordance with prescribed standards and timelines, which has culminated in the State receiving this performance‑based incentive.
The Public Works Minister underlined that in a geographically fragile hill state like Himachal Pradesh, roads are not merely transport corridors but the lifeline of development, health, education, agriculture, tourism and disaster management. Ensuring all‑weather, safe and reliable rural roads has therefore remained among the top priorities of the State Government. He said this achievement reflects the combined outcome of the guidance of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, constructive cooperation between the Centre and the State, the dedication of departmental officers and staff, and the trust and support of the people of Himachal Pradesh.
Vikramaditya Singh appreciated the engineers, project units, field formations and executing agencies of the department, noting that despite the challenges of steep hill terrain, landslides, heavy rainfall and a limited working season, the department has consistently ensured quality and adherence to timelines in the construction and maintenance of PMGSY roads. He mentioned that transparent processes, use of appropriate technology, regular monitoring and third‑party quality inspections have helped Himachal Pradesh emerge among the better performing states in rural road implementation.
The Public Works Minister stated that the incentive fund of Rs 46 crore will provide additional momentum to works relating to strengthening of pavements, cross‑drainage structures, protection works, improvement of black spots and necessary upgradation of rural roads, particularly in remote, tribal, border and hard areas of the State. This will facilitate improved access for farmers to markets, enhance opportunities for youth in education, skills and employment, and ensure safer and timely connectivity for students, patients and the general public to schools, hospitals and essential services.
Vikramaditya Singh reiterated that the State Government is fully committed to the holistic and balanced development of Himachal Pradesh, guided by cooperative federalism and constructive engagement with the Union Government. He said that, along with the projects sanctioned under PMGSY‑III and PMGSY‑IV, this incentive fund will further strengthen the State’s resolve to achieve the goal of “good roads to every village and equitable development to every household.”
The Public Works Minister expressed confidence that in the coming years, Himachal Pradesh will further consolidate its position as one of the leading states in the country in the field of rural road infrastructure, through accountable, transparent and result‑oriented governance. He appealed to all stakeholders and the people of the State to continue their cooperation and support, assuring that the Public Works Department will remain steadfast in accelerating the pace of development.