New Delhi/Shimla, April 02: Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Wednesday announced that the Ministry of Rural Development has approved 21 bridge projects under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-III) for 2024-25. The clearance follows recommendations from the empowered committee and the state’s compliance report.
The projects, spanning 970.772 meters, are estimated at ₹140.90 crore, with ₹126.81 crore funded by the Centre and ₹14.09 crore by the state. The bridges will enhance rural connectivity in Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Lahaul & Spiti, and Mandi districts.
Singh expressed gratitude to Union Minister for Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan for the approval. “The clearance comes with conditions to ensure quality standards. The state will verify hydraulic data, catchment area calculations, geo-technical investigations, and structural designs before tendering,” he said.
A Bridge Management Cell with expert manpower will be set up to oversee execution. “Independent inspectors will conduct rigorous quality checks, including pile integrity and acceptance load tests as per IRC norms,” Singh added.
The minister said these bridges will provide all-weather connectivity to remote areas, strengthening the road network and improving accessibility for rural communities.
