New Delhi (Kameshwar Sharma): Himachal Pradesh Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh attended a key meeting organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs under the chairmanship of Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, where the Urban Challenge Fund was discussed in detail.
During the meeting, Vikramaditya Singh stated that the state government has proposed projects worth approximately ₹5,400 crore under the Urban Challenge Fund to strengthen infrastructure in urban areas. He urged the Centre to allocate ₹1,350 crore as its share, considering the limited revenue capacity of smaller urban local bodies in the state.
Highlighting Himachal Pradesh’s unique geographical challenges, he said that difficult terrain and limited commercial viability often restrict private sector participation in redevelopment projects. He requested special concessions for hill and special category states like Himachal Pradesh under the Urban Challenge Fund.
The minister also advocated relaxation in population norms and modifications in the funding pattern. He urged the Centre to ease the requirement of raising 50 percent of project costs through bonds, bank loans, or PPP models, citing limited financial capacity and low private investment in the state.
He further requested enhanced central assistance or viability gap funding to support urban development projects. Singh emphasized the need for support in mobilizing resources, accessing institutional finance, and developing innovative financial mechanisms.
Pointing out that nearly 90 percent of Himachal Pradesh is mountainous and about 67 percent is forest area, he stressed that land availability for development is limited. Therefore, the Urban Challenge Fund is crucial for the state’s sustainable urban growth.
He said the state government is promoting planned urbanization to balance environmental sensitivity and rising tourist footfall. The proposed projects include redevelopment of congested city areas, smart parking, skywalks, and heritage beautification.
Special facilities like hydraulic parking systems, lifts, and escalators for hill towns have also been proposed. Plans are underway to modernize traditional markets, improve safety, and support small businesses.
The minister added that underground utility ducts will enhance service reliability and improve city aesthetics, especially in disaster-prone areas. The state has also proposed an integrated wellness eco-tourism centre with a skywalk to promote tourism while ensuring environmental conservation.
He requested support from the Centre for developing planned townships to boost investment, create employment opportunities, and reduce pressure on existing cities.
To strengthen urban governance, Integrated Command and Control Centres are being established for disaster management, traffic control, and citizen services. Additionally, cluster-based solid waste management systems are being developed to promote environmental sustainability and tourism.
The Centre has asked Himachal Pradesh to submit priority projects worth ₹1,100–1,200 crore, with 25 percent funding to be provided as central assistance, while the remaining amount will be arranged through PPP or financial institutions.
Director Urban Development Dr. Neeraj Kumar was also present at the meeting.
