Summary:
SHIMLA : Himachal Pradesh chief minister Jai Ram Thakur on Thursday called on Union minister for civil aviation Suresh Prabhu in New Delhi and requested for expediting the formalities for early launch of UDAAN – 2 project in the state. He said that the tunnel was a gift to the people of the state as during his tenure only the project came up. He said that roads in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti being maintained by BRO were not in good condition and needed proper maintenance. He said that these were the only access roads to the hydel projects being constructed on Sutlej and Chenab rivers and requires immediate attention.The CM requested the Union minister for renaming Rohtang tunnel in the name of late Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, who had a special attachment with the people of the state. He said that connectivity was a major issue in the state and air connectivity was vital for boosting tourism sector.He apprised the Union minister that there was huge delay in submission of detailed project reports (DPRs) and completion of other formalities in UDAAN – 2 project and requested stop gap arrangements for starting helicopter services by operating intervening helipads between Chandigarh –Baddi-Kasauli-Shimla-Kullu-Dharamshala.Thakur also took up the matter of international airport at Mandi and conducting an obstacles limitation survey at the earliest for hastening the process for further clearances..