As part of their exposure visit to Himachal Pradesh, a delegation of journalists from Odisha visited the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS) at Shimla and attended a briefing on infrastructure initiatives by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

At IIAS, officials briefed on the historical and architectural significance of the iconic building, originally known as the Viceregal Lodge. Constructed between 1884 and 1888 under the supervision of chief architect Henry Irwin, the structure reflects the Scottish Baronial style with elements of English Renaissance architecture. Shimla served as the summer capital during the British period, and the building functioned as the seat of governance from 1888 to 1947, with successive Viceroys operating from the premises.

 

After Independence, the building served as the President’s summer retreat before being inaugurated as the Indian Institute of Advanced Study on October 20, 1965, by Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan. The institute now functions as a premier post-doctoral research centre in humanities and social sciences. The delegation also learned about the building’s distinctive architectural features, including the use of local blue-grey stone, Burmese teak wood interiors, and an early fire-safety system installed in the late 19th century. The Officers also briefed the delegation about the original and unique research studies that the fellows are pursuing here.

The delegation also visited the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) project site for the four-laning of the Kiratpur-Manali section of NH-21, a key arterial route in Himachal Pradesh. Shri Digbrat Singh, Deputy Manager, NHAI, briefed the delegation on the project's progress, highlighting its potential to significantly enhance regional connectivity, safety, and economic prospects.

 

The upgraded highway will shorten the stretch from 237.2 km to 190.3 km, saving approximately 46.9 km and reducing travel time by nearly 4.5 hours. The corridor's design incorporates multiple tunnels and bypasses, aimed at improving road safety, streamlining traffic flow, and catalyzing tourism and economic growth in the region.

 

The project's most striking feature is its 29 tunnels, a testament to engineering prowess in challenging hilly terrain. Notable tunnels include the 1.8 km Kiratpur Nerchowk tunnel and the 2.8 km Pandoh Takoli tunnel, awaiting operationalization. With a total investment of approximately ₹7,000 crore, this project is set to redefine connectivity and unlock new opportunities for the region.

NHAI has taken a proactive approach to environmental sustainability, planting over two lakh trees as part of compensatory afforestation, despite the removal of around 60,000 trees for the project. NHAI has also pioneered a first of its kind unique initiative, the Gokul Dham cow shelter project, developed to support local communities and promote animal welfare. This state-of-the-art facility provides veterinary care, feeding arrangements, tagging, and systematic management for around 150 cattle, including stray cows, thereby supporting local livelihoods.

 

Shri Manoj Kumar Jali, Deputy Director, and Shri Swadhin Shakti Prasad, Media & Communication Officer, PIB Bhubaneswar, accompanied the delegation of senior journalists during the visit.

 

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Subhalaxmi/Swadhin/ Manoj

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