Himachal Pradesh's Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh inspected two key roads in the Kullu district on Wednesday. He called on officials to ensure proper upkeep of these roads, especially ahead of the upcoming apple season.
The minister personally assessed the condition of the Bhuntar-Manikaran road and the Kullu-Manali left bank road. His visit focused on making these important routes safer for daily commuters, tourists, and farmers who depend on them.
Protection work underway on Bhuntar-Manikaran road
During the inspection, Vikramaditya Singh reviewed ongoing protection works on the Bhuntar-Manikaran stretch. According to The Tribune India, he stated that retaining walls along the Parbati river are being built on this road using funds from the Central Road Fund (CRF). These measures are meant to make the corridor safer for everyone using it.
Apple season demands road safety for farmers
The minister specifically directed officials to ensure that roads remain in good condition and safe at all times. This directive comes as the region prepares for the apple season, a critical time for local farmers.
According to The Tribune India, Vikramaditya Singh emphasised that proper road upkeep is crucial to prevent any inconvenience to farmers who need to transport their apple produce to markets. Apple farming is a key economic activity for the Kullu region, and damaged roads could disrupt the supply chain.
Our Take: Timely move for farmers and tourism
In our view, this inspection is a practical step by the state government. The apple season is the backbone of Himachal's rural economy, and poor roads can cause significant losses for farmers. By personally checking the roads and ordering maintenance, Vikramaditya Singh has sent a clear message that the government is paying attention to ground-level issues. The focus on retaining walls along the Parbati river also shows awareness of the region's geography, where landslides and erosion are common threats. This kind of proactive work, if executed properly, will benefit not just farmers but also the thousands of tourists who travel these routes every year.