The Himachal Pradesh government is developing modern commercial and economic hubs under the Sabzi Mandi Central Business District project in Shimla and the proposed City Centre project in Hamirpur, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced on Monday. These initiatives aim to strengthen urban infrastructure and ease congestion in towns across the state.
Project Details and Funding
Presiding over a meeting of the urban development department, the CM said these projects would help decongest urban cores while generating sustainable revenue through modern commercial complexes, smart parking facilities and green public spaces. He directed officials to expedite both projects.
Sukhu stated that around Rs 330 crore would be spent on the Sabzi Mandi Central Business District project in Shimla. The project will be implemented in two phases. Of the Rs 210 crore earmarked for the first phase, Rs 160 crore has already been released to the Shimla municipal corporation and the public works department (PWD), he added.
Timeline and Vacancy Orders
The CM directed the Shimla civic body to ensure the vacation of 53 residences, six sheds, and the SJPNL office by May 11. The councillor's office and the food security office should be vacated by May 15, and five shops by May 21, he said.
The PWD was asked to complete the demolition and clear the site by July 11. Sukhu also directed the authorities to complete the tendering process by August.
Hamirpur City Centre Project
Reviewing the proposed Rs 140-crore City Centre project in Hamirpur, Sukhu said it would proceed after dismantling the old bus stand and operationalising the new bus stand. He said Rs 80 crore had already been approved for the project, while the remaining amount would be arranged through the public-private partnership (PPP) mode.
These projects are expected to transform urban landscapes, reduce traffic congestion, and create new economic opportunities for residents and businesses in both cities.
