Shimla: Former BJP State President and Member of Parliament Suresh Kashyap has strongly criticized the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government over delays in the construction of the Pinjore–Baddi–Nalagarh National Highway (NH-105), calling it a major setback for the state’s industrial and economic development.
Kashyap said the project is highly significant for regional growth, but has been severely impacted due to what he described as negligence and lack of seriousness by the state government. He stated that he had already raised the issue in the Lok Sabha under Rule 377, after which the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways provided detailed information regarding the project status.
According to the ministry’s response, the contract awarded by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to EPC contractor M/s Patel Infrastructure had to be foreclosed due to continuous obstacles in project execution.
The MP alleged that the state government failed to provide timely land acquisition, which stalled progress and ultimately forced the contractor to abandon the work. He termed this a clear administrative failure that is affecting both industry and citizens of Himachal Pradesh.
Kashyap further highlighted delays in permissions, inter-departmental coordination issues, and incomplete land transfer even by March 2025. He also pointed out delays in mining approvals for soil extraction in Haryana, late shifting of high-tension power lines, and disruptions caused by heavy rainfall in 2023.
He emphasized that although external factors existed, the primary responsibility lies with the state administration.
He added that the central government is actively working to revive the project, including initiating a fresh tender process and deploying two Operation & Maintenance agencies to improve road conditions.
The NH-105 project spans approximately 30.3 km, with around 17 km falling in Himachal Pradesh, and is considered a lifeline for industries, trade, and public movement in the region.
Kashyap accused the Congress government of focusing on political credit rather than ground-level development. He said the project has been pushed years behind due to administrative inefficiency.
He concluded that the BJP will continue to raise the issue strongly and will not allow compromise on the state’s development interests, asserting that while the Centre remains committed to development, state inaction remains the biggest hurdle.
