DW BUREAU / Shimla Ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled later this year, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Friday laid the foundation for four development projects worth Rs 55 crore in Shimla. These include construction of a vegetable market at Darni Ka Bagicha, a flyover in Khalini and foot-over bridges near Vikasnagar. While addressing a public meeting at Dhalli near here, the Chief Minister said these projects would not only prove to be a landmark for Shimla, but would also facilitate locals as well as tourists. He said Shimla is not only the state capital, but also had the distinction of being the summer capital of British India besides being a popular tourist destination. The state government is committed to restore the old glory of Shimla, besides making it a smart city, he said. He said efforts are being made to widen the existing roads, construct pedestrian paths and parking slots, improve water supply and beautify parks. Thakur said the Chabba water supply scheme at an outlay of Rs 70 crore was completed in a record time of nine months after Shimla witnessed unprecedented water crisis in the summer of 2018. He said this has solved the water problem of the town. He also accused the previous state government for ignoring the interests of the people of Shimla. He said the present government has initiated several projects for Shimla to facilitate the people of the state capital. The Chief Minister said a Rs 1,813 crore water supply scheme is being constructed for Shimla, which on completion would provide 24-hour water supply to the people of the town. Thakur also said a double-lane tunnel is being constructed in Dhalli, which would ensure smooth and uninterrupted plying of vehicles on the busy route. He added that not even a single tunnel has been constructed after Independence in Shimla. Stating that he is a silent worker who does not believe in politics of vendetta and vengeance, the Chief Minister thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his benevolence towards the state and its people. He said the Prime Minister chose Shimla for celebrating eight years of the NDA government and again for organising the chief secretaries' conference in Dharamsala, which showed his affection towards the state. He said 20 more electric buses would be provided for Shimla and 15 for Dharamsala to facilitate the commuters of these towns. A charging station would also be setup at Taradevi near Shimla. (editor@dailyworld.in)