Shimla (Kameshwar Sharma): The Shimla CBD project and Hamirpur City Center received a strong push as Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu chaired a high-level meeting of the Urban Development Department in Shimla. During the meeting, he reviewed major urban development projects, including the vegetable market Central Business District (CBD) in Shimla and the proposed city center project in Hamirpur.
The Shimla CBD project is part of the state government’s larger vision to develop world-class commercial and economic hubs across Himachal Pradesh.
Government Focus on Smart Urban Infrastructure
The Chief Minister stated that the Shimla CBD project and Hamirpur City Center project aim to reduce congestion in urban areas. Moreover, these projects will strengthen institutional infrastructure and create modern commercial spaces.
He emphasized that smart parking facilities, green zones, and blue public spaces will be developed under these projects. As a result, the Shimla CBD project will help generate long-term sustainable revenue for the state.
₹330 Crore Investment in Shimla CBD Project
The Shimla CBD project will be developed in two phases with a total cost of ₹330 crore. The first phase alone will cost ₹210 crore.
Authorities have already released ₹160 crore from this amount to the Shimla Municipal Corporation and the Public Works Department.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister directed officials to speed up execution of the Shimla CBD project without delays.
Timelines and Infrastructure Removal Plan
The Chief Minister issued strict instructions regarding the Shimla CBD project timeline. He asked the Municipal Corporation to clear existing structures within a fixed schedule:
- 53 residential units and 6 sheds by May 11
- SJPNL office by May 11
- Councillor and Food Safety office by May 15
- 5 shops by May 21
After clearance, the Public Works Department will demolish old structures and prepare the land by July 11.
In addition, the tender process for the Shimla CBD project must be completed by August.
Hamirpur City Center Project Progress
Along with Shimla, the government also reviewed the Hamirpur City Center project. The Shimla CBD project discussions included updates on this parallel development.
The Chief Minister said that the new bus stand in Hamirpur is nearing completion. After that, the old bus stand will be demolished to make way for the city center project.
₹140 Crore Urban Development Plan for Hamirpur
The Hamirpur City Center project has a total cost of ₹140 crore. Officials have already approved ₹80 crore from this amount.
They will arrange the remaining funds through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. In addition, they have already prepared the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
This development complements the broader vision of the Shimla CBD project, focusing on modern urban transformation.
Fast-Track Implementation Strategy
The Chief Minister directed that once land is vacated, the tender process must be completed within one month. He also instructed HRTC to issue eviction notices to occupants.
Moreover, he stressed that officials must avoid delays to ensure timely completion of both the Shimla CBD project and the Hamirpur City Center project.
Officials Present in the Meeting
The review meeting was attended by several senior officials, including:
- Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh
- Principal Secretary Urban Development Devesh Kumar
- HRTC Managing Director Dr. Nipun Jindal
- Urban Development Director Neeraj Kumar
- Other senior officers
They discussed implementation strategies for the Shimla CBD project and related urban infrastructure projects.
Key Points of CBD project and Hamirpur City Center:
- Shimla CBD project reviewed in high-level meeting
- ₹330 crore project planned in two phases
- Smart infrastructure: parking, green and blue zones
- Hamirpur City Center project worth ₹140 crore also reviewed
- Government pushes fast-track urban development plan
