SHIMLA: Former Union Minister and MP from Hamirpur, Anurag Singh Thakur, on Wednesday expressed serious concern in the Lok Sabha over prolonged delays in major railway and infrastructure projects in Himachal Pradesh due to the state government’s lack of cooperation. Raising the issue through unstarred questions, he said crucial infrastructure projects are being hindered as the state government is not fulfilling its commitments in time.
In a written reply to his question, the Ministry of Railways stated that delays and disruptions in the project work are occurring because the Himachal Pradesh government has not been providing timely support nor adhering to agreed terms.
Thakur said he has consistently pushed for expansion of railway services and new railway projects in Himachal Pradesh, but several strategically important projects have slowed due to the Congress government’s apathetic approach. Citing the ministry’s response, he said that for the Bhanupali–Bilaspur–Beri new railway line—approved under a cost-sharing arrangement—Rs 5,252 crore has already been spent, but the state still owes Rs 1,843 crore as its contribution, which is holding up the remaining work.
The Ministry informed that out of the required 124.02 hectares of land, only 82 hectares have been handed over so far, meaning that construction can continue only on the land already available. Additionally, three sanctioned new line projects covering a total of 214 km (approved cost Rs 17,622 crore) are under execution, of which 64 km has been completed and Rs 8,280 crore spent so far.
Referring to the proposed strategic Bilaspur–Manali–Leh railway line, Thakur said its survey and DPR have been completed. The project has an estimated cost of Rs 1,31,000 crore and has been declared strategically significant by the Ministry of Defence.
Emphasizing that the central government is fully committed to funding and completing these projects, Thakur said that timely land acquisition, funds release and necessary legal approvals from the state are essential. The ministry has clearly stated that delays in land acquisition, non-payment of state share and pending approvals are disrupting timelines and raising overall costs.
He urged the Himachal Pradesh government to immediately release its pending share, expedite land transfer and fast-track mandatory approvals. Thakur also proposed the formation of a joint monitoring cell comprising officials from the Centre, State and Railways, which would review progress every two weeks to ensure the projects get back on track.
Reaffirming his commitment to raise issues affecting the development and welfare of Himachal Pradesh, Thakur called upon the state government to resolve all pending matters without further delay, to prevent additional setbacks in critical infrastructure development.