Shimla, March 11 -- Public works department (PWD) minister Vikramaditya Singh met Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari and sought accelerating key road, bridge and tunnel projects in Himachal Pradesh, strengthening all weather connectivity and ensuring that the state's fragile hill areas receive robust and safe infrastructure support from the Union government. Singh on Wednesday called on Gadkari at Parliament House in New Delhi, accompanied by Rajya Sabha MP and Himachal Pradesh Congress in-charge, Rajani Patil. The PWD minister apprised Gadkari of the unique geographical challenges of Himachal, frequent landslides and disasters, and the need for a long term, sustainable road network that can serve local residents, farmers, horticulturists, tourists and the defence forces alike. He said many sanctioned projects are at various stages of implementation and requested continued Central support, timely release of funds and flexibility in norms for hill states so that works can progress without delay. A major focus of the meeting was on the strategically important Ghatasni-Shilha-Badhani-Bhubu Jot-Kullu road and the proposed tunnel at Bhubu (Bhoo Bhoo) Jot. Vikramaditya urged that the Bhubu Jot tunnel and its approach road be treated as a priority project and that this entire stretch be declared a National Highway in view of its strategic, economic and tourism potential. He said tunnel would provide an all weather alternative link between Jogindernagar region and Kullu via Lug Valley, reducing the distance and travel time between Pathankot, Jogindernagar, Mandi and Kullu, easing congestion on existing routes and improving access to border areas....