Punjab Newsline, Shimla/Solan, January 31-
CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, while speaking informally to media persons in Solan today, stated that Himachal Pradesh lacks a single international-standard airport and the entire cost of its construction should be borne by the Central Government. Additionally, the centre should also fully fund the construction of the Bhanupalli-Beri and
Chandigarh-Baddi railway lines.
In a reply to a question the Chief Minister highlighted the poor condition of the Solan-Parwanoo four-lane highway, attributing the issue to flawed design. He said that he has already discussed this matter with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari and has requested a re-design and re-alignment of the highway to improve its condition.
In response to another question, the Chief Minister said that with a population of approximately 70 lakh, Himachal Pradesh does not require 153 IAS officers. Consequently, the state government has decided against inducting new IAS and IPS officers into the state cadre. Furthermore, he stated that the government aims to reduce the number of IFS officers.