HP govt demands Rs 121 cr for road project

SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh government has demanded the Planning Commission grant Rs 121 crore for a road project aiming to connect an upcoming farm product marketing complex at Parala in Shimla with terminal markets outside the state.

In a letter to the Commission's Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said the 'Modern Market', being set up at Parala, is the first of its kind in the state and will greatly benefit horticulturists, especially apple and vegetable growers, as they could sell their produce to buyers from outside at remunerative rates and middlemen could be eliminated.

Dhumal said better road connectivity would attract buyers from distant places and the farmers would get higher returns.

Chief Minister said the proposed road connecting Parala with Delhi will not only help in easier transportation of apples but also help in supply of crops like ginger, garlic, potato, tomato, peas, pulses, off-season vegetables and citrus fruits.

The road would also be beneficial to the growers of Kinnaur, some parts of Kullu and Mandi areas and proposed it would by-pass the congested areas like Parwanoo, Solan and Kalka, he said.