Himachal's poor roads hamper industrial growth: CII

Poor roads and lack of rail connectivity in industrial areas are impeding the expansion of industry in Himachal Pradesh, a Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) official said on Wednesday.

"The state should work expeditiously to improve road and rail networks in the state," state CII council chairman Sanjay Khurana told reporters here.

He said the industrial body would work as an institutional or knowledge partner with the state urban development department for developing Dharamsala as a smart city.

"We received a proposal from the government in this regard and have decided to go ahead with it," he said.

The CII, he said, would soon launch a pilot project for empowerment of girl child in Solan or Sirmaur districts, wherein the girls would be given career counselling.

"There is complete change in the attitude of the government towards industry. The government is gradually switching to online clearances and making the process time-bound. These are positive steps to reduce corruption," Khurana said.

On promoting state as an industrial destination, he said this year the CII would propose to hold the investers' meet in the state.

--IANS

vg/tsb/vm