Shimla: 
The bad condition of Himachal Roads ‘might’ not remain the same anymore. The World Bank today approved additional financing of $61.7 million for the ongoing Himachal Pradesh State Roads Project to strengthen the road network.
Although the state government claims to be the best Tourism State of the country yet the roads of the state portray some other picture. Even in the State Capital Shimla, condition of the roads is very poor.
The original $220 million Himachal Pradesh State Roads Project, which became effective on October 5, 2007, was aimed at reducing transport costs and improving traffic flows on priority segments of the Core Road Network of Himachal Pradesh.
Currently the project is experiencing cost overruns and with this additional funding, road widening and strengthening of about 447 km of roads looks possible.
The additional funding of $61.7 million, approved today, will help the Himachal State Roads Project fulfill its original objective. The additional financing will support the state meet increased costs for upgrading roads, cost of afforestation, land acquisition, and resettlement and rehabilitation work.
According to a recent user satisfaction survey, done by the Project, the level of road user satisfaction today stands at 3.9 (in a scale of 5) as opposed to 1.5 when the Project started.
Road safety system and a project management system have been added as two new components of the ongoing project. Recognizing that road safety is a critical issue in the country today, the additional financing will specifically support the development and operationalization of a Road Accident Database Management System (RADMS) along the lines of a similar system developed in Tamil Nadu. This will enhance the state’s ability to systematically identify, analyze, develop and prioritize critical road safety measures on all state roads, which will benefit all road users.
To ensure proper maintenance of constructed roads, the Project will pilot Performance-based Maintenance Contracts (PBMC) on about 300 km of roads. This is expected to enhance the management capabilities of the Public Works Department (PWD) of the state.
“Having made impressive economic progress, Himachal Pradesh must improve its road infrastructure for inclusive growth. This, along with attention to road safety, can spur investments, create new jobs and boost agriculture, while improving citizens’ access to markets, healthcare and education,” said Onno Rûhl, World Bank Country Director for India.
An e-based Project Management System to be implemented under this Project will also facilitate efficient exchange of project information, track processes and report on contract execution.
“This Project will have the same approach and strategy of the on-going Project. The additional financing will not only help the Project complete all civil works but also enhance the state’s capacity to manage maintenance work as well as prioritize road safety measures,” said Pratap Tvgssshrk, World Bank’s Senior Transport Specialist and the Project’s Task Team Leader. “We shall draw lessons from other World Bank road projects implemented in India over the years,” he added.
The loan, from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), has a maturity of 18 years including a grace period of 5 years.
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