Shimla to get its first High-Rise commercial buildings as HP Cabinet clears key development proposals

Shimla, May 5,

In a  move set to transform the skyline of Himachal Pradesh’s capital, the State Cabinet has approved the construction of Shimla’s first high-rise buildings. The decision, taken in a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, paves the way for a state-of-the-art commercial complex in Mohal Chotta Shimla comprising two towers of 14 and 17 storeys.

According to a government spokesperson, the project aims to address the city’s rising administrative and commercial needs by offering world-class infrastructure, modern amenities, efficient design, and ample parking facilities. This marks a significant departure from Shimla’s traditional low-rise architectural landscape and is being viewed as a step towards modern urban development in the hill state.

Reforms in Government Recruitment process

Among other important decisions, the Cabinet approved new guidelines concerning the requisition of vacancies, the selection process, and the issuance of appointment offers for government posts where the requisition stage has been completed. To ensure uniformity and transparency in future recruitments, a Cabinet Sub-Committee will be formed to review and propose recommendations.

In a related development, the Himachal Pradesh Rajya Chayan Aayog has been authorized to determine examination fees for recruitment tests conducted by the Commission, adding another layer of institutional autonomy and efficiency.

Wildlife office shifted to Dharamshala

In administrative restructuring, the Cabinet approved the shifting of the Wildlife Wing of the Forest Department from Shimla to the CPD KFW Project Office building in Dharamshala. Consequently, the CPD KFW Project Office will move into the current premises of the Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), also located in Dharamshala. The relocation is expected to improve coordination and logistical efficiency in the region.

District Jail to shift from Mandi to Nerchowk

A major correctional infrastructure upgrade was announced with the relocation of the District Jail in Mandi to a newly constructed facility at Nerchowk. The existing jail premises in Mandi will be converted into an Open Jail for women inmates. The Cabinet also approved the creation and filling of required posts to ensure the smooth functioning of both facilities.

Launch of Online Filing System in Revenue Courts

The Cabinet also gave its nod to the Himachal Pradesh Online Filing and Processing of Court Cases Rules, 2025, enabling Revenue Courts to receive and process applications, appeals, revisions, reviews, and other petitions in digital format. This step is expected to streamline the judicial process and improve accessibility to the legal system across the state.

Development plans for Special areas

In a bid to regulate unchecked urbanization and commercial growth, the Cabinet approved the preparation of development plans for the Shri Chintpurni Special Area in Una, Sarahan Special Area in Shimla, and Bhota Planning Area in Hamirpur. These plans aim to manage the unplanned expansion of rural settlements and to preserve the ecological balance in rapidly developing regions.

Regularization of Part-Time workers

Continuing its pro-worker policies, the Cabinet decided to convert part-time Class-IV employees working in various departments into daily wagers, provided they have completed seven years of continuous service as of March 31, 2025. This move is likely to benefit hundreds of long-serving workers across the state.

Public Transport Connectivity boosted

The Cabinet sanctioned 350 new stage carriage routes to strengthen public transport connectivity across Himachal Pradesh. Additionally, new extra routes for 18-seater tempo travellers by private operators have been approved to meet growing local demand and to improve last-mile connectivity in remote areas.

Medical and Forensic services to be strengthened

In an effort to enhance the state’s healthcare infrastructure, the Cabinet approved the recruitment of 81 Medical Officers, including 68 Casualty Medical Officers and 13 other specialists. These appointments will bolster trauma units, emergency services, blood banks, and cancer care facilities at government medical institutions.

To augment forensic investigation capabilities, the Cabinet also sanctioned the hiring of 18 FACT and FACT Plus qualified professionals in the Department of Forensic Services. Additionally, 11 posts of Subject Matter Specialists will be filled in various Krishi Vigyan Kendras to reinforce agricultural extension services.

Drinking Water Supply Schemes to be managed by Jal Shakti Vibhag

The Cabinet designated the Jal Shakti Vibhag as the executing and maintenance authority for drinking water supply schemes under the 15th Finance Commission. The department will act on behalf of Panchayats to ensure timely implementation and upkeep of rural water infrastructure.

Land transferred for AIIMS Bilaspur and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya

To facilitate the expansion of AIIMS Bilaspur under Phase-II and Phase-III, the Cabinet approved the transfer of 21-09 bighas of land at Mauja Changar Palasiyan to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, free of cost. In another significant education initiative, 52-17-00 bighas of land were allotted at Sarol in Chamba district to the Ministry of Education for the functioning of a Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya.

Sunni Nagar Panchayat upgrade withdrawn

The Cabinet also decided to withdraw its earlier notification concerning the upgradation of Nagar Panchayat Sunni to a Municipal Council in Shimla district, thereby maintaining the status quo.

These wide-ranging decisions reflect the Himachal Pradesh government’s commitment to infrastructure modernization, administrative efficiency, and citizen welfare across sectors.

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Himachalscape bureau

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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Himachalscape bureau

The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.