Work on Parwanoo-Solan 4-lane project to start by Sept end

Shimla: The work on Rs 2,518 crore Parwanoo- Shimla four-laning project in Himachal Pradesh would commence by end of this month and tenders for 39 km Parwanoo-Solan stretch have already been awarded.

The estimated expenditure on this stretch would be Rs 748 crore, while the tenders for the 27 km stretch from Solan to Kaithlighat, costing Rs 540 crore, would be finalised by November 15, official sources said.

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has deposited Rs 130 crore with Deputy Commissioner, Solan for payment of compensation for land acquired for the Four-laning project, NHAI Member (Finance), Satish Chandra, said.

Chandra was speaking during a meeting presided over by Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh to review the progress of four- laning project.

Chief Minister expressed satisfaction over the land acquisition process and directed all the line departments concerned to submit assessments of the left out property, to do evaluation of structures and utility shifting as soon as possible so that the possession could be handed over to National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).

Singh said that as far as Shimla bypass section, which forms part of four-lane project is concerned, the tenders would be awarded by December.

A tunnel would be constructed 200 meters beyond Dhalli Police Post which would be linked to Mashobra-Kufri Junction beyond Dhalli bazaar, 15 Km from here.

Besides, two railway over bridges at Sanwara and Barog bypass and a flyover at Kumarhatti, a 825 metre one-way tunnel would be constructed near Barog Bypass, reducing the distance by 3 kms, he said.

About 21-km long service roads will also be constructed at Dharampur and Solan, while a toll barrier would be erected at Sanwara, NHA officials said.