Single-bid system delaying Shimla ropeway project: Himachal Deputy CM

The state government is actively pursuing major initiatives to strengthen ropeway, air and road connectivity across the state, Agnihotri said after chairing the 5th meeting of the State Transport and Road Safety Council.

Addressing the media, Agnihotri said the state government was also working “enthusiastically” to improve air connectivity between key destinations such as Shimla, Dharamshala, Kullu and Delhi.

He said there was currently no airline operating flights on the Delhi–Shimla–Dharamshala route and vice versa. To address this gap, the state Cabinet, in its meeting held a day earlier, decided to take steps to attract airlines to operate on these routes. “For this purpose, the government will issue a tender worth around Rs 33 crore,” he said, adding that improved air services would boost tourism and regional connectivity.

Highlighting road safety concerns, Agnihotri said that 47 per cent of road accidents in Himachal Pradesh occur on National Highways. He said that the efforts are being made to install crash barriers and seek central assistance for accident-prone stretches where mishaps are repeatedly reported.

Referring to a recent tragic bus accident at Haripurdhar in Sirmaur district, he said the bus involved was 19 years old and was carrying 82 passengers. He stressed the need for stricter enforcement and vehicle fitness norms.

Agnihotri also revealed that around 7,000 challans were issued recently for various traffic violations, including overcrowding, drunken driving and other offences.