Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday inaugurated and laid foundation stones of road projects worth Rs 6,155 crore in Himachal Pradesh through video conferencing from Manali in Kullu district.
The projects included the 39-km-long Parwanoo-Solan section of the NH-22, constructed at a cost of Rs 1,303 crore.
On this occasion, Mr Gadkari said roads are prerequisite for the overall development of any nation. Better roads in Himachal Pradesh will go a long way in tourism promotion, he added.
Mr Gadkari said within the next two years, the travelling distance between Delhi and Kullu will be reduced to seven hours.
This would give a boost to the tourism sector in the state, he said, assuring that all projects will be completed within a stipulated time period.
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said today the state has a road network of 40,000 kilometres but lot more needs to be done.
Nitin Gadkari and Jairam Thakur also visited Atal Tunnel in Rohtang.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari Checks Out New Mahindra BE 6, XEV 9E Electric SUVs 'Against Society's Rules': Nitin Gadkari On Live-In Relationships, Same Sex Marriages 7.77 Lakh Road Accident Deaths In 5 Years: Here Is The State-Wise List Bengaluru Techie Loses Rs 11.8 Crore After "Digital Arrest" 'Was Ahead Of His Time': Professor On Trump's Indian-Origin Pick For AI "No Comment": India On Bangladesh Seeking Sheikh Hasina's Extradition Parts Of Delhi Face Water Shortage As Ammonia Levels Rise In Yamuna Navy's Warship INS Tushil Docks In London On Maiden Operational Deployment "It Pains My Heart...": PM Cites Germany, Lanka Attacks At Christmas Event Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.