SHIMLA -21 Feb 2026

State government to revitalize historic Ice-Skating Rink Shimla at a cost of Rs. 20.22 Crore

Giving a major boost to the tourism sector in Shimla, a world-renowned destination, popularly known as the ‘Hill Queen’, the State Government has decided to revitalize the historic Ice-Skating Rink at Lakkar Bazar. Established in 1920 during the British era, the rink has remained a major tourist attraction for decades and has inspired thousands of budding ice skaters. It will now be transformed into a modern, state-of-the-art facility at an estimated cost of Rs. 20.22 crore.

A spokesperson of the State Government said here today that the redevelopment project aims to provide an enhanced and world-class experience to tourists visiting Shimla, while also promoting winter sports in the region. Under the proposed plan, certain old and functionally obsolete structures, including the Old Club House Buildings and the servant residence, will be dismantled to facilitate the new development.

The upgraded Ice-Skating Rink, located in the heart of the town, is expected to significantly boost tourism and promote sports activities such as ice hockey and figure skating. The facility will create new opportunities for sports enthusiasts to train and compete and will provide easy access to aspiring ice skaters, professional athletes and tourists alike. It will also serve as a platform to host national and international events, thereby placing Shimla prominently on the sports map.

Out of the total estimated cost of Rs. 20.22 crore, an amount of Rs. 2.81 crore will be spent on the construction of a new Club House Building, Rs. 16.09 crore on the Ice-Skating Rink infrastructure, and Rs. 1.21 crore on a store, souvenir shop and other basic amenities. Additionally, Rs. 11.20 lakh will be allocated for the demolition of the old Club House Buildings I & II and the servant residence.

==========================================

PWD Minister calls on Shivraj Singh Chouhan

· Seeks special relaxation for Dodra Kwar road works

· Submits proposal for 1,200 km of new roads under PMGSY-IV to Centre

Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh called on Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmer's Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan at New Delhi today. He presented a detailed report on projects being implemented in the State under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-IV.

During the meeting, the Minister particularly raised the issue of road works in the highly remote and high-altitude Dodra Kwar region of Shimla district. He informed the Union Minister that a portion of the road sanctioned under PMGSY Phase-I for the Dodra Kwar area remains incomplete due to extremely difficult terrain, fragile topography, severe weather conditions and a limited working season.

He said that the road is of critical importance for local residents, disaster management in border areas, medical emergencies and the supply of essential commodities.

The Public Works Minister sought special relaxation, additional financial support and technical assistance for the pending road packages in Dodra Kwar, as well as for the remaining works under PMGSY Phase-I, so that this geographically challenging region can be provided with all-weather road connectivity at the earliest.

He further said that Himachal has received approval for nearly 1,500 kilometers of rural roads under PMGSY-IV, with an estimated cost of approximately Rs. 2,300 crore. In addition, the state government has submitted a proposal to the Centre for around 1,200 kilometers of additional roads under Phase-II of PMGSY-IV. Detailed Project Reports for these proposed works were currently being prepared by the Public Works Department.

The Minister urged the public representatives, Panchayati Raj institutions and landowners to extend full cooperation by providing gift deeds in a timely manner to ensure the availability of land for road construction. He said that public participation is essential to bring development to remote and underserved areas.

The Minister said that the development of a strong, safe and high-quality road network in Himachal Pradesh remains a top priority of the state government. He said the initiative goes beyond mere road construction and reflects a firm commitment towards ensuring equal opportunities, promoting rural prosperity and building a self-reliant Himachal through coordinated efforts between the Centre and the State.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured that the ministry would sympathetically consider the demands of the Himachal. He said that the pending packages of Dodra Kwar, the remaining works under PMGSY Phase-I and the required financial approvals would be taken up on priority with the Ministry of Finance and other concerned authorities. He also assured that swift progress would be ensured towards a positive resolution.