The Union Government has allocated Rs 15 crore to the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department (PWD) for constructing the state’s longest bridge over the Beas River near Pong Reservoir in the Fatehpur Assembly constituency of Kangra district. The bridge, which will be 800 meters long, is set to be built at a total cost of Rs 104 crore under the Setu Bharatam Scheme and will be funded through the Central Roads and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF).

Key Features of the Project

• Length: 800 meters (Himachal Pradesh’s longest bridge on the Beas River)
• Location: Downstream of Pong Reservoir, connecting Sthana in Fatehpur with Sansarpur-Terrace in Jaswan Pragpur Assembly constituency
• Total Cost: Rs 104 crore
• Initial Allocation: Rs 15 crore from the Union Government
• Funding Source: Central Roads and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF)
• Implementing Agency: Himachal Pradesh PWD
• Scheme: Setu Bharatam Scheme

Importance of the Bridge

Currently, residents of Fatehpur, Jawali, Indora, and Jaswan Pragpur constituencies face significant travel difficulties due to security restrictions around the Pong Dam. The new bridge is expected to provide uninterrupted interstate connectivity between Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, significantly easing movement and boosting economic activity in the region.

Furthermore, the bridge will be built on land belonging to the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), requiring a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) before construction begins. The project also aims to enhance regional security by reducing external threats to the Pong Dam, in addition to improving transportation facilities.

Setu Bharatam Project: An Overview

Objective and Scope

The Setu Bharatam Project is a Government of India initiative aimed at ensuring safe and seamless travel across national highways by constructing bridges, flyovers, and underpasses to replace existing railway level crossings. The primary objective is to make all national highways free of level crossings to enhance road safety and reduce congestion.

Background of the Setu Bharatam Project

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways launched the Setu Bharatam Project in 2016 as part of its commitment to upgrading and modernizing road infrastructure in India. The project was conceived in response to the increasing risk posed by level crossings, which often lead to accidents and traffic congestion.

The project aimed to:

• Construct railway overbridges and underpasses to eliminate level crossings on national highways.
• Ensure uninterrupted, safer travel by removing barriers posed by railway crossings.
• Reduce travel time and enhance connectivity between regions.
• Improve road safety by eliminating long waiting times at railway crossings.
• Support the government’s vision of sustainable infrastructure development.

Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF): Funding the Project

What is CRIF?

The Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), formerly known as the Central Road Fund (CRF), was established in 2000 under the Central Road Fund Act, 2000. The fund comprises a cess imposed along with excise duty on petrol and diesel, which is used for infrastructure development projects across India.

Key Features of CRIF

• Established: 2000 under the Central Road Fund Act
• Funding Source: Cess on petrol and diesel
• Administrative Control: Ministry of Finance (earlier under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways)
• Primary Purpose: Financing road infrastructure projects
• Expanded Scope (2018 Amendment): The 2018 amendment to the Act renamed it CRIF and allowed its proceeds to be used for other infrastructure projects such as:
  • Waterways
  • Railway infrastructure
  • Social infrastructure (educational institutions, medical colleges, etc.)

Impact of the Beas Bridge Project

Economic Benefits

• Improved Trade and Commerce: The bridge will enhance connectivity between Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, facilitating the transport of goods and boosting local businesses.
• Boost to Tourism: With better road access, tourism in the Pong Reservoir region is expected to rise, leading to increased economic activity.
• Employment Generation: The construction project will create job opportunities for local workers and contractors.

Social and Security Benefits

• Easier Commute for Locals: The bridge will reduce travel time and transportation difficulties for residents of Fatehpur, Jawali, Indora, and Jaswan Pragpur constituencies.
• Enhanced Security: By providing an alternative route, the bridge will help in reducing security threats around the Pong Dam.
• Disaster Resilience: The bridge will offer an additional evacuation route in case of emergencies, ensuring better disaster management.

Conclusion

The 800-meter-long bridge over the Beas River, funded under the Setu Bharatam Scheme, marks a significant step toward improving connectivity, enhancing security, and boosting economic growth in Himachal Pradesh. With Rs 15 crore already allocated and the tendering process initiated, the project is expected to commence soon. Once completed, the bridge will provide seamless interstate connectivity, benefiting thousands of commuters and strengthening regional infrastructure.